SOUTH CAROLINA — The U.S. Postal Service is asking South Carolina homeowners to inspect and repair their mailboxes during Mailbox Improvement Week, May 15–21.

The Postal Service makes this annual request because of wear and tear that occurs to mailboxes every year. Repairing suburban and rural mailboxes improves the appearance of our community and makes delivering and receiving mail safer for our letter carriers and customers.

Some of the typical activities that homeowners may need to consider include:

• Replacing loose hinges on a mailbox door.
• Repainting a mailbox that may have rusted or has started to peel.
• Remounting a loosened mailbox post.
• Replacing or adding house numbers.
• Clearing in an around the mailbox to minimize insects.

If a homeowner plans to install a new mailbox or replace a worn one, he or she must use only Postal Service–approved traditional, contemporary or locking full/limited-service mailboxes. Customers must be careful when purchasing curbside mail receptacles, because the use of unapproved boxes is prohibited. Customers may use a custom-built mailbox; however, it must conform to local, state, federal laws, and highway regulations.  Customers must consult with the Postmaster or his designee to ensure the mailbox is consistent with guidelines applying to flag, size, strength, and quality of construction, and to ensure there are no violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

For more information on the use of names or numbers on mailboxes, or answers to any other questions, please contact your local Postmaster or Station Manager.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations.

###