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Waste Reduction Tip: Mail

Boards & Committees News Posted on May 08, 2025

Did you know that the majority of the mail you receive is recyclable? 

DO RECYCLE all cardboard, paperboard, and paper in your blue bin including:

  • Paper envelopes and their contents: No need to remove transparent film windows in envelopes, stamps, address labels, Post-It Notes, staples, paper clips or binder clips; 
  • Magazines and glossy cardstock (do remove plastic samples, stickers, or plastic wrap);
  • Newspapers and brown filler paper; and
  • 100% padded mailers (if in doubt, rip it in half to ensure there is no plastic inside). 

Notes on shredded documents: 

  • Shredded documents must be placed in a clear plastic bag before placing in your blue bin. If EcoMaine can’t see what is inside, it will be trashed. 
  • For a fee, you can shred sensitive documents at UPS where they partner with Iron Mountain to destroy the material and then recycle the shredded output. 

DO NOT RECYCLE: 

  • Paper with wax or foil coatings (but plastic coating is ok);
  • Bubble mailers and envelopes padded with plastic; 
  • Junk credit cards or rewards cards (remove card and glue glob before recycling paper portion); and
  • Adhesives, plastic tape and affixed packing slip sleeves. 

REDUCE your junk mail by: 

  1. Signing up for the "National Do No Mail" list at direct-mail.com/mail_preference
  2. Subscribing to DMAchoice.org to decide what mail you want or don't want for a small fee of $2.00; 
  3. Opting out of pre-screened offers for credit or insurance by calling  888-5-OPT-OUT (888-567-8688) or visiting www.optoutprescreen.com; and 
  4. Opting out of catalogs that you don’t need by visiting ecomaine.catalogchoice.org for instructions on how to opt out of various catalogs that you receive on a regular basis. 


  1. ME South Portland Homepage

Contact Us

  1. South Portland City Hall
    25 Cottage Road
    South Portland, ME 04106

    Phone: 207-767-3201
    Fax: 207-767-7620

City Hall Hours

  1. City Hall Hours
    Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7:30 am to 5 pm; Tuesday 9 am to 5 pm; Friday Closed.

    City Clerk's Office and Finance Office remain open until 6 pm on Tuesdays.

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