Reduce Your Junk Mail
To most folks, any junk mail is too much. If your mailbox at home or work is overflowing with unwanted solicitations, advertisements
and other literature, you have probably wondered what you can do about it.
How to Reduce Junk Mail
Visit the Direct Marketing Association website (leaves DEC's website).
Be patient - it will take a few months before any relief is realized. You should also send an additional request to them every few years or so, as your name gets put on more lists.
- Contact the companies that send you unwanted mail and tell them to remove your name from their mailing lists.
- Don't sign up for information that you really don't want.
- If you subscribe to a magazine, book club or other publication, call or write to tell them not to give your name to other companies.
Eliminate unwanted catalogs you receive at the Catalog Choice website (leaves DEC's website). This free service allows you to reduce the stream of unwanted catalogs flowing into your home while helping to preserve the environment.
Due to the changes in the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can now be removed from credit card mailing lists by making a toll-free call. This call can remove your name from three major credit bureaus' mailing lists for two years.
When you call, you will need to confirm your identity, a recording will ask for personal information, including your Social Security Number (which they already have).
If you would like, you can also request a form that will wipe your name PERMANENTLY from their mailing lists.
Save a forest; to be removed, visit the OptOut website (leaves DEC's website) or call 1-888-5OptOut (1-888-567-8688).
How to Recycle Junk Mail
Many communities in New York State recycle unwanted junk mail. You can contact your local Recycling Coordinator or recycling hauler for more information. Remember to remove any glued plastic cards before recycling junk mail.
DMM, Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
