How do you recycle stamps?

Asked by: Mandy Langworth  |  Last update: March 16, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (66 votes)

By collecting them in a paper bag and leave them to be recycled in the bin for recycling paper. You could also donate them to a local youth stamp club. it is often appreciated.

How do you dispose of stamps?

Remove the rubber from the bottom or base of your stamp, being careful to not get ink on your hands. Cut the rubber polymer into pieces with scissors to ensure it is properly destroyed. Throw the pieces of rubber into the trash.

What should I do with old postage stamps?

Get creative and give old postage stamps some new life with these inspiring creative ideas.
  1. Scrapbooking and Memory Keeping Books. ...
  2. Planner Accents. ...
  3. Postage Stamp Nail Art. ...
  4. Postage Stamp Wall Art Collages. ...
  5. Wall Art Prints. ...
  6. Buntings and Garlands. ...
  7. Jewelry. ...
  8. Fridge Magnets.

How do I get rid of stamps?

Cut or tear the envelope around the stamps. Float the stamps face up in cool water. Soak for one hour or until the stamps separate from the paper.

Can I do anything with old stamps?

You may use old stamps to mail a letter if they have not been previously used. For mailing purposes, most stamps retain their face value and do not expire. Forever stamps are worth the current rate of postage, regardless of their age.

How to recycle used postage stamps

22 related questions found

Can stamps be recycled?

You can recycle used stamps along with the envelope, especially if they are still attached. Just place the envelopes in your household recycling bin along with any other paper items. Alternatively, you can cut around the stamp leaving roughly a centimetre of envelope or packaging.

Will USPS accept old stamps?

Do U.S. Postal stamps expire? No, U.S. postage never expires; you can use existing stamps indefinitely. All postage stamps issued by the United States since 1860 are valid for postage from any point in the United States or from any other place where U.S. Mail service operates.

How do I get rid of postage stamps?

Stamps
  1. Used stamps can be recycled with paper if they are still attached to envelopes - simply put them in the recycling bin with other paper items.
  2. Alternatively you can collect stamps to donate to charities - search online for 'recycle stamps'

What can I do with all my stamps?

If you are considering making a donation of stamps and require a charitable tax receipt, we recommend you contact your local stamp auction house or stamp dealer. They will be able to help you price your stamps as well as sell them.

What is the punishment for reusing stamps?

Section 604 of the United States Postal Service's Domestic Mail Manual is titled “Postage Payment Methods and Refunds.” Under section 604, subsection 1.8 addresses the reuse of stamps, stating: “Reuse of stamps with intent to cause loss to the government or the USPS is punishable by fine and imprisonment.”

Are old stamps worth keeping?

For investing purposes, the value of stamps depends on demand, trends, origin, and condition of a stamp. Unused stamps are more valuable than used ones. However, if a stamp is very rare, it could be investment-grade even if its condition is less than perfect.

What to do with stamps with queens head?

If you do have stamps with the Queen's head on without a barcode, you can exchange them – this means they won't go to waste.

What if I have old forever stamps?

In 2011, all first-class one ounce stamps became forever stamps with the exception of stamps in coils of 500, 3,000, and 10,000. As the name suggests, Forever Stamps can be used to mail a one-ounce letter regardless of when the stamps are purchased or used and no matter how prices may change in the future.

What can I do with a bunch of old stamps?

Sell at auction

Selling your stamp collection through an auction house, in return for a percentage of the profits, can offer unrivalled exposure to philatelic specialists and valuations which are usually meticulously researched. They'll usually advise you whether to sell as a collection or split into individual lots.

Where can I get rid of a stamp collection?

Consider the US or foreign dealers or auction houses that can best sell certain portions of your collection. Remember the AHPS for either a donation or sale of items though its auctions. Understand that disposition of your collection may involve a combination of methods.

What can I do with excess stamps?

Reuse. Some charities accept stamps which they will sell on to raise money. A few of examples of charities that will take your stamps are Oxfam, RNIB (Royal National Institute of the Blind) and PDSA. For a larger list, see Used Stamps for Charity.

How to dispose of a stamp collection?

Stamp Dealers

Your collection could be sold as one unit, or if you have the time, you may wish to sell parts to different dealers. For example, a dealer specializing in Latin America would likely pay more for your Mexican stamps than general U.S. dealers, a Postal History Specialist may pay more for covers, etc.

What happens if I use 2 forever stamps?

Avoid placing two Forever stamps on a mail piece for heavier mail. Additional ounces are much cheaper costing only $0.28 per additional ounce rather than $0.73 for a one ounce letter. If you add two Forever stamps to a 2-ounce letter, you would be paying for an item that should only cost $0.90.

What happens with old stamps?

Stamps are changing

But no need to panic. You can use non-barcoded stamps until 31 July 2023. Royal Mail has also introduced the Stamp Swap Out Scheme so you can swap all your non-barcoded stamps for the new barcoded ones. The barcodes, when scanned on a phone, will connect you to new services on the Royal Mail app.

How to get rid of stamps?

To do this, cut the stamp from the envelope, ensuring you retain a reasonable margin of paper around the stamp. Place face up in a shallow bowl of tepid water and leave. Once the stamp can be easily separated from the envelope, it can be removed.

How to recycle stamps?

All you need to do is:
  1. cut out the stamps, try to leave a border of about 1 cm.
  2. send them to this address: MS Stamps. PO BOX 698. Sapley. Huntingdon. PE29 9LN.

Can I take old stamps to the Post Office?

Can I take my stamps to the Post Office to swap them out? You can pick up a 'Swap Out' form from your local Post Office along with a free post envelope – but the Post Office won't be able to swap your stamps for barcoded ones.

How do I cash in old stamps?

Once you buy stamps from the Post Office, generally all sales are final. So, you can't sell stamps back to the Post Office, but you do have some options. Instead, you can sell your stamps to a Postage Buying Service for a cash payment.

Can you still use old stamps in 2024?

Just as a reminder though, old, non-barcoded stamp will be no longer valid after July 31st 2023, so you must get them swapped for new, barcoded ones before the deadline.