Where does returned mail go

Returned mail, also known as undeliverable mail, can take a few different paths depending on the circumstances. Here are some common scenarios:

  1. Post Office: If the mail is returned to the sender due to an incorrect or incomplete address, the post office will typically hold onto it for a short period (usually 15-30 days) before sending it back to the sender.
  2. Dead Letter Office: If the mail is undeliverable due to a deceased person, a vacant address, or other reasons, it may be sent to a Dead Letter Office (DLO). The DLO is a special facility where mail is sorted and processed to determine its next course of action. The mail may be:
    • Returned to the sender with a notation indicating the reason for return.
    • Destroyed if it's deemed to be of no value or if it's a sensitive document.
    • Donated to charity or used for educational purposes.
  3. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): If the mail is deemed to be of historical significance or contains valuable information, it may be sent to NARA for preservation and storage.
  4. Local Charity or Organization: Some post offices or mail carriers may donate returned mail to local charities or organizations, such as food banks, homeless shelters, or literacy programs.
  5. Recycling: If the mail is damaged, outdated, or contains sensitive information, it may be recycled or shredded to protect personal data.
  6. Special Handling: In some cases, returned mail may be sent to specialized facilities for processing, such as:
    • The United States Postal Service's (USPS) National Return Mail Facility in Atlanta, Georgia, which handles millions of pieces of returned mail each year.
    • The USPS's National Address Correction Facility in Kansas City, Missouri, which helps to correct and update addresses to prevent future returns.

It's worth noting that the USPS has a formal process for handling returned mail, which is outlined in their Domestic Mail Manual. The process involves a series of steps, including sorting, processing, and disposition, to ensure that returned mail is handled efficiently and securely.