418,000 tons of bulk mail was thrown away unopened in the U.S. in 1990. Reducing junk mail saves landfill space, conserves natural resources, and may reduce your trash bill. Every time you enter a contest, make a donation, buy something, order a product by mail, write a check, or send in a subscription or warranty card, chances are your name and address are being added to a mailing list of some kind. Then the mailing list may be sold or traded. Below are steps you can take to reduce junk mail.
Some companies specialize in collecting and selling mailing lists.
If you receive unwanted flyers or mail, call the customer service department of the organization or business responsible and request that your name be removed from their mailing list. Alternatively, send in a written request that is signed and dated. Include a sample of the mailing label so the sender can identify how you are listed in their files. Include a list of your name and address in all the different ways it appears on your junk mail. The Mail Preference Service places your name in the suppress file for five years.