Manchester residents are being advised to save themselves headaches when the post arrives - and cut down on waste - by redirecting junk mail away from their homes.
Manchester City Council is reminding residents that a phone call can dramatically reduce the amount of unwanted adverts which land on their doormats - while anything that slips through should be recycled.
Most junk mail delivered by the postman can be redirected by the Mail Preference Service (MPS), which was set up 20 years ago to make sure people only get the post they want.
MPS can remove residents' names from up to 95 per cent of direct mail lists and Manchester residents can register for free by visiting the website www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr or calling 0845 703 4599.
The City Council is currently holding a consultation into recycling, with 1,000s of residents being asked how they think services across Manchester can be improved.
Councillor Eddy Newman, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: "People should be aware they are able to choose whether or not they receive junk mail.
"Unwanted adverts only add to the amount of waste which potentially ends up in landfill sites, and residents have the choice to cut down on waste if they do not want to receive direct mailing. They can also choose to recycle what they do receive through their doors."
Media contact:
Conrad Astley on 0161 234 4027.
Manchester City Council launched Challenge Manchester - 100 Days to a cleaner, greener city 2008 on February 14 2008 at Manchester Town Hall.
The campaign will run until 24 May 2008, featuring 100 days of intense activity all over Manchester with the first 50 days focussing on green issues - primarily waste minimisation, recycling and climate change - and the next 50 days focussing on community clean-ups, local environmental improvements and planting schemes.
The council will also be asking residents and businesses about what they want the council to do to help them minimise waste and recycle more.
Challenge Manchester began in 2004 with "Challenge Manchester: 100 Days to a Clean City", and in its fifth successful year the campaign returns to its core aim to "clean up" the city.
More information about Challenge Manchester and how you can participate appears on our website http://www.challengemanchester.co.uk/
You can also e-mail campaigns.team@notes.manchester.gov.uk
or telephone 0161 954 9000.