Explanatory Memo (Draft)

Different Type Of Junk Mail

Junk mail generally falls into two categories: electronic and physical.

Electronic junk mail, such as spam emails, texts, and instant messages, is already regulated in Australia under the Spam Act 2003, which sets rules for how digital marketing can be sent and gives consumers protections and opt-out rights.

Physical junk mail, however, including unaddressed advertising material delivered to letterboxes, is not covered by the same legislation.

Our campaign focuses specifically on this gap, advocating for stronger protections and clearer rules around physical junk mail to give households greater control over what is delivered to their homes.

Overview

This Bill amends the Environment Protection Act 1993 (SA) to reduce avoidable paper waste by prohibiting the delivery of unsolicited advertising material to letterboxes displaying “No Junk Mail” signage.

Policy Objective

To prevent waste generation at the source, reduce environmental harm, and respect residents’ expressed choices.

Background

Despite widespread use of “No Junk Mail” signage, advertising material continues to be delivered across South Australia. This creates unnecessary waste, increased recycling costs, and community dissatisfaction.

Queensland’s waste legislation prioritises waste avoidance and provides a policy precedent for regulating unsolicited advertising material as an environmental issue.

Key Provisions

Prohibits delivery of advertising material to letterboxes displaying “No Junk Mail”
Assigns responsibility to organisations that authorise distribution
Establishes penalties and enforcement mechanisms
Empowers councils and the EPA to investigate and enforce compliance
Provides limited exemptions for essential communications

Financial Impact

Minimal. Enforcement can be integrated into existing council and EPA compliance frameworks.

Conclusion

The Bill promotes responsible advertising, environmental protection, and respect for community choice while aligning South Australia with best-practice waste prevention policy.