Postal Letter

Can you refuse to accept mail and make the postal service send it back?

Without going into details and spilling a family feud onto the internet, I was wanting to know if it's possible to refuse to accept packages when the postal service delivers them. Can you write "refused" or "return to sender" or anything like that and the postal service send it back for free? Assuming the box isn't open of course.

Public Comments

1. Yes of course I have done that several times. If u think there is a dead fish in the package or it ticks like a clock refuse it. Cross out all your info and barcodes on the package and put RTS REFUSED with a circle and arrow indicating where to return it to.
2. Watch out for an A.O.D. card (accknowedegment of delivery) green in MI. _ DONT SIGN ! I think a P.O box goes directley to the box. However if it requires a signiture,You will receive a notice at the temp. address on file. As far as the post man (or woman) showing up at your door- just tell them to return to sender or scribble RTS (return to sender) on the package.. Dont let the post man leave it with you- No one here by that name etc. MAKE him take it- DO not accecpt it -to take back annother day. Good luck !
3. Yes, you can refuse any mail. Write 'refused' across the name and address on the mail piece and either personally hand it to your carrier or put it back in your mailbox. There is no cost to you. Once you open it, of course, you can't refuse it. You can return it, but at your expense.