Junk Mail Reduction

 
More than 87 billion pieces of "direct mail" are delivered every year.  A significant portion of this advertising mail is unwanted, or "junk" mail.  Recycling unsolicited mail is a good start, but reducing the flow of mail you did not ask for will save time, money and resources.

How did they get my address?
Every time you enter a contest, make a donation or purchase, join a store "buyer's club", order a product by mail, subscribe to a magazine, or send in a warranty card, your name and address may be placed on a mailing list.  Then the mailing list may be rented, sold or traded.

If you would like to reduce the amount of unsolicited mailings you receive, here are several approaches.  Be patient, as it may take three to six months before you notice a reduction.

  • Credit Cards-Contact the credit bureaus with a single toll-free number: 888-5-OPTOUT (888-567-8688), or online at www.optoutprescreen.com
     
  • Direct Mail- Most major catalogers and mailing list companies are members of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA).  The DMA's Mail Preference Service can be used to remove your name from many direct marketing lists.  Visit www.DMAchoice.org for more information.  You can also contact direct mailing companies directly and ask to be removed from their mailing lists.  Some companies that advertise locally are listed below:

Clipper Magazine: (888) 569-5100; http://clippermagazine.com/contactus.cfm
Money Mailer:  (800) 624-5371; http://moneymailer.com/company-info/contact-us
Penny Saver:  (800) 995-3333; www.pennysaverusa.com/mailinglist/
Red Plum/Valassis: (800) 437-0479; http://www.valassis.com/1024/Contact/MailingListRemoval.aspx
Val-Pak Direct Marketing: (800) 499-0473; http://www.coxtarget.com/mailsuppression/s/DisplayMailSuppressionForm

  • Catalog Mailings- Register with Catalog Choice at www.catalogchoice.org to reduce unwanted catalog mailings.
     
  • City of Thousand Oaks Junk Mail Reduction Kit- The City provides free pre-printed junk mail opt-out postcards that you can use to contact direct mail marketers.  Email Environmental Programs at GoGreen@toaks.org to request your kit.

Other Tips:

  • Request charities not to distribute your information.
  • Contact companies directly and ask to be taken off their mailing list.  This is often the quickest way to be removed from an organization's mailing list).
  • Return junk mail:  Envelopes marked "address correction requested" or "return postage guaranteed" can be returned unopened to the sender by crossing out your address and writing "Refused, Return to Sender" on the envelope.  DO NOT write this message on the envelope without this special notation; the Post Office will NOT return it to the sender unless it is so marked.
  • Use the postage paid envelope that is included with the mail solicitation and send the information back to the addressee requesting that your name be removed from their mailing list.
  • Don't forget to recycle the junk mail you do receive.