What to do with old mail

The never-ending pile of old mail! Here are some tips on what to do with it:

  1. Recycle: Many types of mail, such as junk mail, catalogs, and newspapers, can be recycled. Check with your local recycling program to see what types of paper products are accepted.
  2. Shred: If you have sensitive documents, such as bank statements, credit card offers, or medical bills, consider shredding them to protect your personal information. You can use a shredder or take them to a local shredding facility.
  3. File: If you need to keep certain documents, such as receipts, invoices, or contracts, file them away in a designated area, such as a file cabinet or digital storage.
  4. Donate: Consider donating gently used items, such as clothing, household goods, or books, to local charities or thrift stores.
  5. Toss: If the mail is truly junk, such as unwanted catalogs or advertisements, you can simply toss it in the trash.
  6. Compost: If you have paper products, such as cardboard or paper packaging, that are free of contaminants, you can compost them.
  7. Digitize: Consider scanning and digitizing important documents, such as receipts, contracts, or insurance policies, to free up physical storage space and reduce clutter.
  8. Organize: Sort your mail into categories, such as bills, receipts, and correspondence, to make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
  9. Use as craft material: Get creative and use old mail as a material for craft projects, such as making paper mache, collages, or decoupage.
  10. Properly dispose of hazardous materials: If you have mail containing hazardous materials, such as batteries, electronics, or chemicals, dispose of them properly through your local waste management program.

Remember to always follow your local recycling and waste management guidelines to ensure that your old mail is disposed of responsibly.