Householders in nine counties are being given the chance to take part in an initiative aimed at cutting down on junk mail.

The Southern Waste Regional Office, which launched the 'Say No to Junk Mail' campaign last March, is providing eight local authorities with thousands of additional stickers to cut down on unsolicited mail.

The initiative includes Carlow, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford - and is aimed at cutting down on unnecessary waste.

The group says it has proven popular with thousands of junk mail stickers used by home and business owners.

"With Christmas fast approaching the amount of junk mail or unsolicited mail appearing in letterboxes is increasing" said Pauline McDonogh, Regional Waste Prevention Coordinator.

"Many householders complain that they have received the same junk mail more than once. This mail is not only a great source of annoyance for many householders but it is also a huge generator of unnecessary waste".

"Unsolicited mail generally comprises of items such as local take away menus, local taxi companies, and companies advertising services such as house or garden maintenance. The problem is a source of annoyance for many and is particularly bad in urban areas".

"While junk mail can be recycled most householders when asked say they would prefer not to get it in the first place," she added.

The 'No Junk Mail' stickers are being made available from offices of the Environment Sections of the participating local authorities - in Cork City, Clare, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Tipperary and Kerry.

A number of local Tidy Towns Groups are also distributing the stickers.