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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Recycling: If the mail is damaged, outdated, or contains sensitive information, it may be recycled or shredded to protect personal data.
- 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.