A Royal Mail postie has shared a simple way to cut down on junk mail at home, explaining why a popular request people make to posties won't actually stop leaflets from arriving on their doormat.
In a TikTok video, postie Jas answered viewers' delivery questions and offered practical tips. One person asked whether Royal Mail can simply stop delivering “junk” post. She explained: “I’ve had quite a lot of comments like this. I get off customers as well when I’m delivering mail. We legally have to deliver unaddressed mail - unless you officially opt out.”
Why 'No Junk Mail' stickers don't work
She said: “You can do it online and it probably takes two seconds. But if you’ve got a little sticker on your letterbox saying 'no junk mail' - that doesn’t mean anything.”
Jas continued, addressing customers who question her: “I get people say 'can you not read?' Yes, I can read. But it’s my job to deliver that mail. Someone’s paid for our service, so unless you opt out yes, I legally have to deliver 'junk mail'.”
How to opt out online
While Royal Mail isn’t the only company distributing so-called 'junk mail', there is a simple way to reduce what comes through your letterbox: use its online service. A Royal Mail spokesperson told the Express: “Customers who don't want to receive unaddressed advertising mail delivered by Royal Mail can opt out through a simple process on our website. Once registered, the opt-out lasts for two years and applies to everyone at the address.”
The spokesperson added: “Simply asking your postie to stop isn't enough, as our colleagues are required to deliver the mail allocated to each address. Using the formal process means the request is recorded on our systems and followed regardless of who is delivering.”
They noted: “Royal Mail delivers only a minority of unaddressed advertising mail in the UK. Other companies also distribute leaflets and advertising material, so opting out of our service won't necessarily stop everything coming through your letterbox. The opt-out also doesn't apply to mail addressed to individuals or ‘The Occupier’.”
Royal Mail takes 'incidents seriously'
Royal Mail writes on its website that “in rare cases, we work with the government to deliver important messages to every UK address when it's in the national interest.”
It’s worth remembering that Royal Mail posties - and couriers from other delivery firms - are simply doing their job. Royal Mail told the Express that any form of abuse will be taken “seriously.” It warned: “Our posties work hard serving their local communities and deserve to be treated with respect. Abuse, threats or intimidation towards our colleagues are unacceptable, and we take any incidents seriously.”
Christmas can be a stressful time of year, with a rise in deliveries – from cards to parcels. With December 25 on the horizon, it’s worth keeping that in mind and being patient if things take a little longer than usual.
