How to dispose of old mail

Disposing of old mail can be a bit tricky, but here are some steps you can follow to ensure you're doing it responsibly:

1. Shred sensitive documents: If you have mail that contains sensitive information such as financial statements, credit card offers, or personal identification, it's a good idea to shred it before disposing of it. You can use a paper shredder or take it to a local shredding facility.
2. Sort and categorize: Sort your mail into categories, such as:
   • Junk mail (advertisements, catalogs, etc.)
   • Bills and statements
   • Personal correspondence (letters, cards, etc.)
   • Recyclable materials (newspapers, magazines, etc.)
3. Recycle: Recycle any paper materials that are still in good condition, such as:
   • Newspapers
   • Magazines
   • Junk mail
   • Cardboard
4. Properly dispose of sensitive documents: If you can't shred sensitive documents, you can:
   • Bury them in a secure location, such as a deep hole in your backyard (make sure to follow local regulations)
   • Take them to a secure document destruction facility
   • Use a secure document disposal service
5. Donate or repurpose: Consider donating gently used items, such as:
   • Books
   • Clothing
   • Household items
   • Toys
   • Furniture
6. Properly dispose of non-recyclable materials: If you have non-recyclable materials, such as:
   • Plastic packaging
   • Styrofoam
   • Glass
   • Metal
   • Batteries
   • Electronics

You can dispose of them through your regular trash collection or take them to a local recycling center.

Additional tips:

• Always check with your local government or waste management provider to see if they have specific guidelines for disposing of old mail.
• Consider using a secure mailbox or locking your mailbox to prevent identity theft.
• Keep your mail organized and tidy to make it easier to sort and dispose of it responsibly.
• Consider digitizing your important documents and storing them securely online to reduce the need for physical storage.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you're disposing of your old mail responsibly and reducing waste in your community.