The public have been asked to share their views on how to tackle this problem. In 2012, in the UK, an estimated 17.5 billion pieces of junk mail were produced, requiring 9 million trees and 16.5 billion litres of water.

Whilst opt-out schemes exist, awareness of these remains low.

Nuisance junk mail is particularly concerning for the vulnerable and the elderly who are often the targets for scams, which can be extremely costly, both financially and psychologically.

Janet Finch-Saunders AM/AC said “Junk mail is an environmental and financial drain upon our society, costing considerable amounts of public money to recycle and dispose of.”

“The intrusion into our lives, particularly with scams, greatly concerns me and I call upon all members of the public to have their say on how we can tackle this nuisance together.”

The consultation is available online: http://www.yourvoiceintheassembly.co.uk/junkmail