Do you have to return mail that's not yours

In the United States, the general rule is that you don't have to return mail that's not addressed to you, but it's considered good etiquette to do so. Here's why:

1. Return to sender: The United States Postal Service (USPS) encourages people to return undeliverable mail to the sender. This helps to reduce waste, conserve resources, and ensure that the mail is delivered to the correct recipient.
2. Avoiding confusion: If you don't return mail that's not yours, it may cause confusion or delay in the delivery of mail to the intended recipient. By returning it, you're helping to keep the mail system running smoothly.
3. Respect for the sender: Returning mail that's not yours shows respect for the sender's time and effort in sending the mail. It also helps to maintain a positive relationship with the sender and the postal service.

That being said, there are some exceptions where you might not need to return mail that's not yours:

1. Junk mail: If you receive unsolicited mail, such as junk mail or spam, you don't need to return it. You can simply recycle it or dispose of it.
2. Misdirected mail: If you receive mail that's clearly intended for someone else, you can try to contact the sender or the intended recipient to resolve the issue. If that's not possible, you can return the mail to the sender or dispose of it.
3. Mail with no return address: If you receive mail with no return address, you can try to contact the sender or the intended recipient to resolve the issue. If that's not possible, you can dispose of the mail.

In summary, while you're not required to return mail that's not yours, it's considered good etiquette to do so. By returning undeliverable mail, you're helping to maintain a smooth and efficient mail system, while also showing respect for the sender's time and effort.