What to Do with Cancelled Stamps: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever wondered what to do with those cancelled stamps that are no longer useful for posting letters? While they might seem like waste, cancelled stamps can actually be repurposed in various creative and eco-friendly ways. In this guide, we'll explore where to send cancelled stamps and how to make the most out of them.
Understanding Cancelled Stamps
Before we dive into what to do with cancelled stamps, let's first understand what they are. Cancelled stamps are postage stamps that have been used and marked by the postal service to indicate that they have been used for postage. The cancellation mark usually includes the date, the post office's name, or a cancellation pattern.
Why Save and Send Cancelled Stamps?
You might be wondering why you should bother saving and sending cancelled stamps. Here are a few reasons:
- Environmental Impact: Stamps are made from paper, and saving them helps reduce paper waste.
- Historical Significance: Some cancelled stamps, especially those from historic events or with unique cancellation marks, can hold historical value.
- Philately: Stamp collectors, also known as philatelists, often look for cancelled stamps to add to their collections.
Where to Send Cancelled Stamps
Stamp Collectors
One of the best places to send cancelled stamps is to stamp collectors. They often look for specific stamps or cancellation marks to complete their collections. You can find stamp collectors through online forums, social media groups, or local stamp clubs.
Philatelic Organizations
Philatelic organizations, such as the American Philatelic Society or the Royal Philatelic Society London, often accept donated stamps for their educational programs or to support stamp collecting activities. Check their websites for more information.
Charities and Non-Profits
Some charities and non-profit organizations accept cancelled stamps as a form of fundraising. They sell the stamps to collectors or use them in their educational programs. Organizations like Stamp Out Hunger, a program of the National Association of Letter Carriers, and the American Cancer Society's Stamp Out Cancer program are examples of this.
Schools and Educational Institutions
Educational institutions, especially those with stamp collecting clubs or philately programs, might be interested in receiving cancelled stamps. These stamps can be used for educational purposes, such as teaching about history, geography, or postal systems.
Preparing Cancelled Stamps for Sending
Before sending your cancelled stamps, make sure to prepare them properly:
- Clean the stamps to remove any dirt or debris.
- Sort them by country, denomination, or cancellation mark for easier organization.
- Store them in a safe, dry place until you're ready to send them.
Alternatives to Sending Cancelled Stamps
If you're not sure where to send your cancelled stamps, or if you have a large quantity, consider these alternatives:
- Recycle: While stamps are small, they can be recycled. Make sure to remove any non-paper items, like glue or plastic, before recycling.
- Upcycle: Use cancelled stamps in craft projects, like making greeting cards, scrapbooking, or creating art.
- Sell: If you have a large collection of valuable stamps, consider selling them to a stamp dealer or online marketplace.
In conclusion, cancelled stamps might seem like waste, but they can be repurposed in various ways. Whether you send them to stamp collectors, charities, or educational institutions, your cancelled stamps can continue to be useful and meaningful. So, the next time you're wondering where to send cancelled stamps, remember that there are many options to choose from.
