In this section

Introduction
From secret to revolt
'Scare tactics'
Junk mail opt-in schemes
Modernisation

What can be improved

Introduction
Stop discouraging people
Make opting out easier
Explain what door to door items are
Recognise 'no junk mail signs'

What could be improved

Making it clearer what door to door items are

To this day it is unclear what exactly a door-to-door item is. Royal Mail has confirmed to Postwatch that it is not anything that has to do with elections. But a calendar with waste collection dates may be a door-to-door item. By keeping the definition vague, Royal Mail can insist on giving rather dire warnings to customers wanting to stop unaddressed leaflets (see Scare tactics).

It is of course perfectly possible to distinguish between information from local and national government on the one hand and commercial advertisements from businesses and charities on the other. It would make an end to any confusion and Royal Mail's customers would be able to make an informed decision about whether or not to receive door drops – much more so than is the case at present.