In today’s world of e-mail communication, there’s nothing quite like opening the mailbox and finding a letter form a friend or loved one. However, more often then not, opening the mailbox reveals flyers, bills and leaflets and a wide assortment of other paper based material that was not asked for nor is appreciated by many. It doesn’t have to be this way, thanks to a little-known opt out program offered by Canada Post.

Simply by attaching a red dot sticker, or sign (“no ad mail” or “no junk mail”) on your mailbox, Canada Post will no longer deliver unaddressed advertisements. Those who receive their mail in community mailboxes, group mailboxes or post offices boxes, are asked to put the dot or sign on the inside of the mailbox door as the letter carrier won’t see the outside of the box when delivering mail.

You have to keep in mind that for the most part Canada Post doesn’t deliver flyers from the big box stores, that is generally taken care of by newspapers or other delivery agents. Unfortunately this program won’t work for flyers from those sources. For reducing flyers from those sources, your best bet is to get in touch with your flyer distribution company.

Canada Post will continue to deliver community newspapers, Elections Canada material, both provincial and municipal electoral notices and House of Commons mailings.

Canada Post reports that only 2% of Canadians participate in the “Consumer Choice Program”

For more information on the topic, go to http://www.reddotcampaign.ca/ and learn about the movement that is trying to get red dots on mailboxes across the country!

Links:
Canada Post Consumer Choice Program