Deliverability
Recycled Spam Trap
A previously valid email address repurposed as a spam trap after being abandoned for an extended period.
Definition
A recycled spam trap is a previously valid email address that has been abandoned and repurposed as a spam trap by the mailbox provider. After an account is inactive for an extended period (typically 12+ months), it starts returning hard bounces. Eventually, it may be reactivated as a trap. Hitting recycled traps indicates poor list hygiene.
Pro Tip
Regularly clean your lists and sunset unengaged subscribers to avoid hitting recycled spam traps.