Recycle Your Junk Mail

I know many of us probably recycle all, if not most of the junk mail we receive on a daily basis. But have you ever thought about to just not get it in the first place? This is so easy to do. All it takes is a few simple steps:

A) Go online, write or call these following companies and request them to remove your name from their lists:

1) Direct Mail: Direct Mail Association (DMA) is the largest provider of direct mail lists. The easiest way to contact them is online at www.dmachoice.com. If you choose to by mail, they do charge a $1 fee. Their address is: DMA Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512.
2) Credit Card Offers: No need to provide your Social Security number. They will immediately process your request over the phone. Equifax/Trans Union/ Novus/Experian-1-888-567-8688.
3) Sweepstakes: Publishers Clearinghouse 1-800-645-9242
4) Shopping Flyers: ValPak Coupons-1-800-237-6266. Advo/Valassis-1-888-241-6760 or www.advo.com/consumersupport.html. Harte Hanks Direct Marketing-1-800-422-4116 or www.pennysaverusa.com/mailinglist/.
5) Junk Faxes: Contact the sender of junk faxes. If you are unsuccessful, file a complaint with the Consumer Information Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 or fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/unwantedfaxes.html.

B) For free, remove your name from catalog lists.

1) Visit www.CatalogChoice.org to remove your name from specific catalog lists.
2) Contact the specified catalog and let them know you want your name taken off their list.
3) You can also write a letter and make sure to attach your address label to the letter to make sure your address is removed.

C) Make sure when you purchase catalogs via the phone or online to inform them to NOT sell your name or send promotional materials.

D) Contact your service providers and ask them not to send promotional material to you. Examples of services providers are: insurance, bank and wireless providers. This will not work if you:

1) Write “Return to Sender” or “Refusal” on unsolicited mail and putting it in your mailbox. This will only result in the U.S. Postal Service throwing it away; especially since third class bulk mail will not be forwarded.
2) Also, if you attempt to get the attention of a company by returning your junk mail in an envelope with insufficient postage will not do.

Be patient because removal of your name could take up to a year, but most people start to notice changes in as little as three months!