A Royal Mail postie has revealed that placing a “no junk mail” sticker on your letterbox will not stop unaddressed leaflets from being delivered. The only effective way to reduce such mail is to officially opt out through Royal Mail’s online service, which takes around two seconds and lasts for two years.
In a TikTok video, Royal Mail postie Jas answered viewers’ questions about deliveries, including whether the company could stop delivering junk mail. She explained that postal workers are legally required to deliver unaddressed mail unless a customer has formally opted out.
Stickers 'don't mean anything'
Jas said: “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. 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.”
She added that people often ask her whether she can read, but that is not the issue. “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
While Royal Mail is not the only company distributing unaddressed advertising mail, its online opt-out service can reduce how much you receive. 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 also 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’.”
Posties deserve respect
Royal Mail said it takes any incidents involving its staff seriously. A spokesperson 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.”
The reminder comes as Christmas approaches, with a rise in deliveries from cards to parcels. With December 25 on the horizon, it is worth being patient if deliveries take a little longer than usual.
