# Is it legal to mail shit? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 16, 2014, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687 "2014-09-16T20:57:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![copperwindow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@copperwindow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/copperwindow)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/1 "2014-09-16T20:57:03Z")
I keep on getting these advertisements mailed to me that I don’t want. I asked them to stop sending them to me, but they keep on doing it. I asked the post office to stop delivering them, but they said that they have to. I figure, if they mail stuff to me that I don’t want, I should mail stuff to them that they don’t want. Would it be legal for me to send them my dog’s crap every day? ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/2 "2014-09-16T21:01:29Z")
Here ya go, let someone else do it for you. > **[Poop Senders - The ULTIMATE Gag Gift - SWEET Revenge at its FINEST](https://www.poopsenders.com/)** > > Anonymously send a package of poop to your friends or enemies. The ultimate gag gift. Sweet revenge at its finest. ---
**Author:** ![copperwindow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@copperwindow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/copperwindow)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/3 "2014-09-16T21:05:23Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Here ya go, let someone else do it for you. > [http://www.poopsenders.com/](http://www.poopsenders.com/) I don’t want it to be anonymous. ---
**Author:** ![SpeedwayRyan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@SpeedwayRyan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpeedwayRyan)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/4 "2014-09-16T21:06:26Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Here ya go, let someone else do it for you. > [http://www.poopsenders.com/](http://www.poopsenders.com/) The internet comes through yet again! ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/5 "2014-09-16T21:14:17Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Here ya go, let someone else do it for you. > [http://www.poopsenders.com/](http://www.poopsenders.com/) Yep there you go, or something goes ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/6 "2014-09-16T21:17:40Z")
The Royal Mail [prohibits “waste, dirt, filth or refuse”](http://www.royalmail.com/personal/help-and-support/Tell-me-about-Prohibited-Goods), which I imagine would cover it. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/7 "2014-09-16T21:37:02Z")
> [@copperwindow](#): > > I don’t want it to be anonymous. Sending them shit wont do any harm, but as you imply, they will still have your address. Try sending them back their stuff, if thy have provided a postage-paid envelope, and note on the order form “Please remove me from your mailing list”. Not all adverts provide such a handy way to reply, so save those up and send as many as will fit into the envelope when one arrives. Having to pay twice for the chance to send you junk MAY get them to stop, and they get to dispose of your junk mail. ---
**Author:** ![EmilyG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/emilyg/32/364_2.png) [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/8 "2014-09-16T21:38:11Z")
Poopsenders’ poop is apparently fake, according to the end of [this article](http://www.azfamily.com/news/mobile/Disgusting-Delivery-cause-HUGE-stink-231204931.html). ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/9 "2014-09-16T21:44:53Z")
Apparently you can in Canada, provided it is packaged properly and doesn’t contain pathogens. > [@](#): > > 3.2.2.3 Liquid and dry patient specimens (human or animal) > > Liquid and Dry Patient Specimens are mailable through the Priority™, Xpresspost™, Expedited Parcel™, Regular Parcel™, Lettermail™ and Business Reply Mail™ services. > > Customers must apply the following directives when designing their package: > > Patient specimens (human or animal) that have a minimal likelihood of containing infectious pathogens must be packaged appropriately to further minimize the risk of exposure [see International Air Transport Association (IATA) rules outlined in the IATA guide for packaging requirements]. Specimens being tested for contagious pathogen such as HIV or the flu virus are unacceptable. Specimens that are being tested for Cancer cells or something similar are acceptable. Exempt human or animal specimens must be packaged and marked according to the following: > > a leak-proof primary receptacle > a leak-proof secondary packaging; and > an outer packaging of adequate strength for its capacity, mass and intended use, and with at least one surface having minimum dimensions of 100 mm x 100 mm. > For liquids, absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents must be placed between the primary receptacle and the secondary packaging so that, during transport, any release or leak of a liquid substance will not reach the outer packaging and will not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material. When multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them. > > The item must be marked “EXEMPT HUMAN SPECIMEN” or “EXEMPT ANIMAL SPECIMEN”, as appropriate. > > If the customer wishes to determine whether their envelope/packaging meets Canada Post’s shipping guidelines, they may submit a sample of the packaging to the following address for testing: > > CANADA POST > MAIL STANDARDS AND TESTING > NATIONAL EQUIPMENT ENGINEERING > 2701 RIVERSIDE DR SUITE N0625 > OTTAWA ON K1A 0B1 > > Biological specimens that are infectious or contain pathogen cannot be mailed under any circumstances. You can even send a gift of leeches, parasites and bees! > [@](#): > > 3.2.2.5 Parasites, leeches and insects > > All of the following requirements must be met when packaging parasites, leeches and insects: > > must be free from disease > must be mailed in safe and secure boxes > the contents must be easily identifiable on the box > parasites and leeches can only be shipped by surface and therefore Expedited Parcel service or Regular Parcel service must be selected to transport them > all items are mailed at the customer’s risk. > Visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s website at inspection.gc.ca for additional information. > > 3.2.2.6 Bees > > All of the following requirements must be met when packaging bees: > > must be free from disease > must be packaged in a safe and secure box or tube that is covered with a fine mesh screen, as per industry standards, to prevent breakage or leakage during transit and handling > the contents must be easily identifiable on the container > all items are mailed at the customer’s risk; no coverage for loss or damage is available for this type of mailing. > Visit the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations website at [IATA - Live Animals](http://iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/live-animals/Pages/index.aspx) or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s website at inspection.gc.ca for additional information. > > In addition, for: > > Honey bees > > honey bees can only be shipped using the domestic Regular Parcel service. > Queen bees and their attendants > > the contents must be easily identifiable on the container (label with “QUEEN BEES AND ATTENDANTS”) > no honey is permitted to travel in the container with the queen bee and her attendants > queen bees and their attendants (maximum of eight) must be shipped by Priority™ service for domestic mailings and Xpresspost™ – USA for mailings to the United States. > **[Postal Services Information](https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/postal-services-information.page)** > > Comprehensive information about the products and services we offer to both personal and business customers. ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@Capt\_Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/10 "2014-09-16T21:47:15Z")
Where would one find a steady supply of gorilla or elephant poop? I doubt that the local zoo is going to let you just take it no questions asked and they would probably frown on their poop removal service selling it. Is there such a thing as a poop removal service for zoos? **Capt** ---
**Author:** ![EmilyG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/emilyg/32/364_2.png) [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/11 "2014-09-16T21:52:04Z")
> [@Capt\_Kirk](#): > > Where would one find a steady supply of gorilla or elephant poop? I doubt that the local zoo is going to let you just take it no questions asked and they would probably frown on their poop removal service selling it. Is there such a thing as a poop removal service for zoos? > > **Capt** It may be a bit of a moot point since the poop-sending website sends fake poop. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/12 "2014-09-16T22:05:31Z")
[We already covered this shit](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-181705.html). USPS [Publication 52 - Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail](http://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/welcome.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/13 "2014-09-16T22:41:27Z")
> [@Capt\_Kirk](#): > > Where would one find a steady supply of gorilla or elephant poop? I doubt that the local zoo is going to let you just take it no questions asked and they would probably frown on their poop removal service selling it. Is there such a thing as a poop removal service for zoos? > > **Capt** > [@EmilyG](#): > > Poopsenders’ poop is apparently fake, according to the end of [this article](http://www.azfamily.com/news/mobile/Disgusting-Delivery-cause-HUGE-stink-231204931.html). I figured as much. Their website dances around it too much instead of just coming out and saying ‘of course it’s real’. > [@](#): > > Is it real poop? > Only the mad scientist that packs this stuff in the back room knows for sure and he wouldn’t tell us, but we do know this, it really smells bad back there, he is mixing up shit, and he does visit the local dairy farm and zoo about twice a week. (We also don’t want the delivery company to actually know what kind of shit they’re delivering.) We can assure you that it looks nasty and really stinks. It will get the point across to your intended victim. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2014, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/14 "2014-09-16T22:45:51Z")
[QUOTE=snowthx] Try sending them back their stuff, if thy have provided a postage-paid envelope, and note on the order form “Please remove me from your mailing list”. Not all adverts provide such a handy way to reply, so save those up and send as many as will fit into the envelope when one arrives. Having to pay twice for the chance to send you junk MAY get them to stop, and they get to dispose of your junk mail. [/QUOTE] That one’s also been covered here. Stunts like taping a reply card to a brick or stuffing their envelope full of garbage will most likely not get past the recycling bin at your post office. If you want to be sure your message of “stop sending me this stuff” gets to them, limit yourself to one piece of paper in the envelope. No promises that they’ll actually honor your request, but it will at least be delivered. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/15 "2014-09-17T02:45:22Z")
You may want to consider [shipping your pants](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03UmJbK0lA) (cleanliness of said pants is up to you). ---
**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/16 "2014-09-17T03:13:30Z")
> [@Colophon](#): > > The Royal Mail [prohibits “waste, dirt, filth or refuse”](http://www.royalmail.com/personal/help-and-support/Tell-me-about-Prohibited-Goods), which I imagine would cover it. Surely there’s an exception for, like, universities or animal researchers to send samples around. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/17 "2014-09-17T03:23:41Z")
> [@gotpasswords](#): > > If you want to be sure your message of “stop sending me this stuff” gets to them, limit yourself to one piece of paper in the envelope. No promises that they’ll actually honor your request, but it will at least be delivered. Most of the time, the low-wage workers who open the envelopes have nothing to do with the people who maintain the mailing list – often they aren’t even in the same country! It’s quite likely that such a note will never even get to the mailing list maintainers. Also, about mailing shit – each year, my doctor gives me a test package where I have to obtain a fecal sample, and mail that in to the laboratory. So apparently it’s allowed. (The instructions say to seal the sample inside a supplied plastic bag; then that goes into a special mailing envelope that is clearly labeled “Caution - biological sample” on the outside.) ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/18 "2014-09-17T03:27:32Z")
Nope, it’s illegal. Well, almost anyway. Here’s the deal. Kaiser gives me a little thingee that you stick in your turd once every 2 years or so. Then you have a little plastic case you put the thingee in, and then in a plastic bag it goes, then in a sturdy cardboard envelope. Then you mail it to their lab. The instructions tell you the Postal service will not allow you to mail poop, but this method is considered safe enough for the employees who handle your poop sample to allow it to go through. So, yes and no. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/19 "2014-09-17T03:51:58Z")
One fun thing that can and has happened is that the recipient opens the box, realizes from the stench what has been sent and the result is an evacuated building and the hazmat team showing up concerned about a pathogen attack. The bill is then sent to the person who shipped the offending material. ---
**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-mail-shit/698687/20 "2014-09-17T04:51:04Z")
If your package is emitting a foul odor, or leaking, or wet or soiled a postal inspector will pull it to protect the other mail in the mailstream and open it to see what is causing that and you could be in deep doo doo, so to speak. So if you are going to mail feces, you need to make sure they are sealed well.