While advertisements and other leaflets fill our mailboxes despite sometimes the “Stop Pub” stickers, RMC Conso has taken an interest in the practices which govern this distribution and the rights of individuals.
It’s a bit of a stressful time when it’s time to go and get your mail. Leaflets and flyers often find their way into our mailboxes, even if some people are firmly opposed to it. Especially since these advertising prints still represent nearly 766,700 tonnes per year, which corresponds to an average of 11.5kg per inhabitant over a year or 25.2kg per household, according to the Ministry of Ecology.
While the “Stop pub” scheme launched in 2004 is still running and offers consumers the possibility of opposing the distribution of advertisements or other free newspapers in their mailboxes, some distributors do not respect it. Sometimes, some co-ownerships even refuse to play the game. However, there are rules governing the practice. We take stock.
· An ineffective marketing method
It’s a fact, almost all French people have a mailbox. According to a study conducted by BALmétrie for La Poste in 2020, 99% of French people have one and 81% check their mailbox every day.
But when it comes to advertising and leaflets, only 27% of people exposed to a print piece remembered the brand or message. Worse, 13% of readers of a print ad say they visited the brand’s website after reading it.
According to Ademe, a significant portion of this advertising is thrown away without having been read, reports the Ministry of Ecology.
· Where can I find my “Stop Pub” sticker?
Since the launch of “stop pub” and until 2008, nearly 9 million stickers have been issued by the Ministry of the Environment, which estimates that to date, a third of mailboxes in France have one. So, it goes without saying that these notices of refusal of advertising are known to distributors.
In 2024, consumers who want to equip themselves with such a sticker to display on their mailboxes can find them everywhere: like in their town hall or even in local supermarkets. Today, it is also possible to edit it at home.
· Tensions in co-ownerships
Are you moving into a new home and would like to mention your refusal of advertising? Make sure that your co-ownership allows you to do so. Some regulations may prohibit changing the visual appearance of mailboxes by adding a sticker. However, if the syndicate refuses, it is required to offer an alternative to the co-owner. The site stoppub.fr offers to download a standard letter to send to your syndicate if it objects to a “stop pub” mention on your mailbox.
· Offenders risk a fine of 1,500 euros
Despite millions of mailboxes equipped with the “stop pub” sign, some distribution companies are stubborn and are exposing themselves to sanctions. Since January 1, 2021, failure to comply with the “Stop Pub” sticker is punishable by a fine provided for fifth-class contraventions, of up to 1,500 euros. And not all leaflets are authorized. Since January 1, 2023, they must be “printed on recycled paper or paper from sustainably managed forests.”
