The DMA are committed to increasing the level of direct mail recycling.
The Direct Marketing Association UK (DMA) has signed an agreement with the
Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to implement a
Producer Responsibility Scheme for Direct Mail and Promotions Waste.
As part of the agreement the direct mail industry, through the DMA, has
committed to reducing the amount of direct mail waste that ends up in landfill.
Currently 13% of direct mail and promotions material is recovered. The DMA has
undertaken to increase the recovery and recycling of this to:
- 30% by end of 2005
- 55% by end of 2009
- 70% by end of 2013
This will be achieved by implementing measures to increase the collection and
recycling of direct mail and promotions material; publicising the services
available to consumers who do not wish to receive the direct mail they view as
"junk mail"; and improving the targeting of direct mail and
promotions material sent out.
A guide to the acceptable materials, chemicals and contaminants that should be
used, or avoided, in the production of direct mail has also been produced for
the industry.