The third week of May is Mailbox Improvement Week, and the United States Postal Service is encouraging customers to give their mailbox some TLC.
The USPS reminded customers that mailboxes should be fully operational, able to protect mail from the weather, safe to use, conveniently located and neat in appearance while being large enough to handle anticipated mail volume.
“Neat, attractive mailboxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of the countryside and streets in suburban areas,” the USPS said in the May 15 edition of the Postal Bulletin.
The USPS also pointed to the environmental benefits of keeping a well maintained mailbox.
“When mailboxes are appropriately constructed, installed, and in good physical condition, the Postal Service delivers the mail safely and efficiently,” the Postal Service wrote. “Customers avoid a trip to the Post Office, which saves fuel and reduces carbon emissions.”
The USPS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
What mailbox improvements does the USPS suggest?
The USPS suggests on its website that common mailbox maintenance includes:
Tightening loose hinges on the door
Taking care of rusty or loose parts
Replacing missing or faded house numbers
Keeping the path to the mailbox clear
Should a mailbox need to be replaced, the USPS recommends that customers consider:
A mailbox that can hold small packages, protect them from bad weather and offer safety for packages that a carrier might otherwise leave on the doorstep
A mailbox that can hold larger package that can be picked up through the USPS’s Carrier Pickup program for free
Specifics for USPS approved mailboxes are included in the May 15 Postal Bulletin.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: It’s Mailbox Improvement Week. How to keep yours in top shape
