A change is on the horizon for the distribution of advertising leaflets in Groningen. Starting from October 20, 2023, businesses will no longer be allowed to place unaddressed flyers in a mailbox without explicit consent from the resident. Those who wish to receive flyers can do so by displaying a new sticker on their mailbox.
The city council approved the new system in 2021. The council argued that unsolicited distribution of promotional material is not in line with the principles of a sustainable city, as it consumes paper, ink, and energy, with a significant portion of the leaflets ending up unread in the recycling bin. The municipality has given businesses an opportunity to adapt their operations accordingly. Some companies have already transitioned their promotions to alternative media, while others will do so soon. The city expects that there will still be enough businesses that will continue to use paper flyers to promote their offers.
Residents can choose to receive flyers or not
Residents who want to receive paper advertising leaflets can affix a ‘JA-JA sticker’ to their mailbox. This sticker indicates that the resident is open to receiving both advertising flyers and free newspapers. For those who do not wish to receive leaflets but are open to house-to-house newspapers, such as the Groninger Gezinsbode, local newspapers, and flyers from non-commercial institutions, no sticker is necessary. Individuals who do not want to receive any unsolicited advertising can display a “NEE-NEE” sticker. Both the JA-JA and NEE-NEE stickers can be obtained free of charge from the municipality. Visit groningen.nl/afval for addresses and opening hours.
Read it? Recycle it!
It is crucial to ensure that advertising leaflets do not end up in general waste. To recycle old paper into new paper, it must be collected separately. Therefore, old advertising leaflets (without plastic wrapping) should be placed in the paper recycling bin.
What will your mailbox sticker mean after October 20?
- No sticker: I do not want advertising flyers, but I do want free newspapers.
- NEE-JA sticker: I do not want advertising flyers, but I do want free newspapers.
- JA-JA sticker: I do want advertising flyers and free newspapers.
- NEE-NEE sticker: I do not want advertising flyers or free newspapers.
