I've inherited some envelopes to re-use…

A new opt-out website for unaddressed junk mail that was to be launched three months ago has been built. However, a Freedom of Information request has learned the website is unlikely to go live any time soon.

A new deal between the Government and junk mail industry will introduce a wide range of measures to help people cut back on junk mail. Amongst others, the industry will finally introduce an online 'one-point-stop' for opting out of receiving unsolicited mail.

The Direct Marketing Association is to introduce its own one-point-stop for registering with junk mail opt-out schemes. In the process the Mailing Preference Service may become an opt-in / opt-out scheme.

Figures released by the Direct Marketing Association show that the junk mail industry has met its recycling targets. Opt-out schemes for unaddressed junk mail remain unpopular.

Online directory 192.com has today relaunched its 'Say no to Phone books' campaign. The company is now calling for a central opt-in scheme for 'weightiest junk mail of all'.

As the cost of dealing with household waste rises local councils have been criticised for not doing enough to cut waste. Few councils spend money on waste prevention programmes, with only one in four councils encouraging people to reduce junk mail.

A study into the paper consumption of 20 major UK companies shows that while some financial companies and publishers of magazines have drastically reduced their paper consumption, many bulk mailers are still unwilling to even discuss paper waste.

Postcomm, the independent regulator for postal services in the UK, has in principle given Royal Mail permission to offer a discount for distributing 'green' mail-outs.

Royal Mail has announced it is hoping to launch a 'green' bulk mail service from April this year. It's 'Sustainable Mail' product has yet to be approved by Postcomm.