How to recycle used stamps

last updated Thursday 19th January 2012 - 11:30

Click to enlarge

Remember the Blue Peter Stamp Appeals? They began as far back as 1962! We saved and sent but how about now? Why not start collecting at home or in your work place?

Many of us will associate collecting used stamps with Guide Dogs. Sadly GuideDogs.org.uk phased this out in 2007 as they no longer found it a cost effective way to raise funds.

There are, however, other charities that are collecting and will put them to good use.

RNIB

Fundraising Enquiry Line on 0845 345 0054

Collected stamps should be sent to:
RNIB Stamp Recycling
PO Box 185
BENFLEET
SS7 9BH

The MS Society

John Dawson, a supporter of the MS Society has been recycling stamps to benefit the MS Society for many years. To reccyle your stamps send them to: 5 Campkin Road, Arbury, CB4 2NL (leave a 1/2cm border around the stamp/s).

Smilies People (part of the National Association for Crohns and Colitis) It offers support to children and families suffering with Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis.

Stamps for Smilie's
28 Orwell Drive
Aylesbury
Bucks
HP21 9JN
UK

The RNLI Royal National Lifeboat Institution
c/o Lara, 7 Speedwell, Brixham, Devon TQ5 9MJ

Animal SOS Sri Lanka
Animal SOS Sri Lanka is a UK registered charity who recycle used stamps which goes some way to funding their vital work with the stray animals in Sri Lanka. Animal SOS Sri Lanka own a 4-acre plot in south Sri Lanka which is an emergency veterinary clinic to treat sick and injured stray animals and a safe-haven for the vulnerable and abused. Any funding enables them to save the lives of many otherwise doomed animals, providing high standards of veterinary care inclding blood screening and postoperative care after sterilisation - which is vital to ensure the survival of the animals.

Stamps should be sent to:
Animal SOS Sri Lanka
64 Fair Acres
Prestwood
Great Missenden
Bucks HP16 0LE
e-mail: denizewoodstock@gmail.com
Website: http://www.animalsos-sl.com/

Ever wondered what happens to used stamps?

They are sorted:-Damaged ones are removed.

Trimmed if necessary.Sorted into Uk or overseas stamps.

Graded according to the franking, lightly or unfranked.

The backing paper maybe removed.

Uk stamps are sorted either into 1^st, 2^nd or mixed bags.

Packed into bags and sold to dealers or even on EBay.

On average a kilo bag will fetch £3. More unusual stamps fetching more.

Instructions for collecting stamps:-

Leave approximately 1cm of the envelope around the stamp.

Separate into UK and overseas.

Place in a bag and add your name and address.