A customer fills out a document at the Front Street branch of the post office. StarNews file photo

Q. Why is there no paper recycling bin at the main post office downtown? I refuse to dump all the catalogs and junk mail  in the trash so I haul it home to recycle. It is not very green of the USPS to not offer recycling.

A. Recycling is enroute to your local Post Office.

The United States Postal Service is in the beginning stages of launching an initiative called the National Recycling Operation. Over the course of the next five years, the initiative will implement a “standardized mixed paper backhaul recycling program in postal facilities,” according to Monica Coachman, with USPS corporate communications, in an email to the StarNews.

In simple terms, the backhaul strategy will find post offices transporting their mixed paper recyclables, such as undeliverable standard mail, to servicing hubs on already existing transportation trips.

Facilities will receive new equipment to implement the program and employees will be trained in the best ways to enact it.

Coachman said the program could double current postal recycling rates and generate more than $133 million in combined revenue and savings.

On a local level, Wilmington Postmaster Chris Spann said he has no knowledge of any previous requests from customers for recycling at local offices. But with the postal service being a business run on paper, he is receptive to and excited about the new program.

“It is cost saving for us,” Spann said. “And from a green standpoint, it is the right thing to do.”

To submit further requests to the local USPS office, call the North Front Street location at 910-313-3292.

RELATED LINKS:

Are designations such as NW and SW part of the official post office address?

Who is responsible for maintaining parking lots in post offices?

Date posted: March 11, 2015

User-contributed question by:
Jeanne