A Royal Mail postie has explained that a common 'no junk mail' sticker on a letterbox will not stop unaddressed flyers, and only the company's official online opt-out service can block them. In a TikTok Q&A, postie Jas told viewers that Royal Mail is legally required to deliver unaddressed mail unless a household formally opts out.
Opting Out Officially
Jas said she often hears the same question from customers and viewers about whether Royal Mail can block junk mail completely. She explained: "I've had quite a lot of comments like this. I get it off customers as well when I'm delivering mail. We legally have to deliver unaddressed mail - unless you officially opt out."
She added that the opt-out can be done online and "probably takes two seconds," but a sticker on the letterbox "doesn't mean anything." Jas also addressed comments from people asking if she can read, saying: "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 the Opt-Out Works
Royal Mail is not the only company delivering unaddressed advertising material. A Royal Mail spokesperson confirmed: "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 that Royal Mail delivers only a minority of unaddressed advertising mail in the UK, and other companies also distribute leaflets, so opting out "won't necessarily stop everything coming through your letterbox." The opt-out does not apply to mail addressed to individuals or 'The Occupier'.
Respect for Posties
Royal Mail also said it takes incidents of abuse towards staff seriously. The company 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."
