Listed below are eight steps for reducing and recycling junk mail:

1. Call mail-order catalog companies: Most catalogs have a toll-free number for placing an order. Call this number and ask to be taken off their mailing list.

2. Contact specific organizations or businesses. If you receive unwanted flyers or mail, call the customer service department and request that your name be removed from their mailing list. Alternatively, send in a signed and dated written request. Include a sample of the mailing label so the sender can identify how you're listed in their database.

3. Return junk mail: Envelopes stamped 'address correction requested' or 'return postage guaranteed' can be returned unopened to the sender by writing 'refused, return to sender' on the envelope. DO NOT write this on mail without that special notation; the post office will not return it to the sender.

4. Remove your name from national mailing lists. Many businesses and organizations subscribe to the Direct Marketing Association to advertise through direct mail. Remove your name from their mailing list for up to five (5) years by any of the following methods:
a) Remove your name on-line through Direct Marketing Association
b) Fill out a postcard and mail to the Direct Marketing Association. This postcard is an Adobe PDF file, two postcards per page, double-sided. If your printer doesn't print
double-sided, or you don't have the Adobe Reader, please contact our office at (253)
798-2179 or e-mail us to request a post card (Pierce County residents only).
c) Write to Mail Preference Service at:

Mail Preference Service

Direct Marketing Association P.O. Box 643 Carmel, NY 10512

5. Contact credit bureaus: They may sell names and addresses to banks and credit card companies. The three largest credit bureaus are:

Equifax	Target Marketing Services	Trans Union, Transmark
PO Box 740123 Atlanta, GA 30374-0123 1-800-755-3502	Consumer Opt. Out601 TRW Parkway Allen, TX 75002 1-800-353-0809	List Division 555 West Adams Street Chicago, IL 60661 1-800-680-7293

6. Avoid warranty cards: Warranty cards are a means of gathering names for mailing lists and to inform customers about product recalls. When you purchase a product, you may be covered by the manufacturer's warranty even if you do not send in the warranty card. Check with the manufacturer to find out whether or not you're covered, and keep the receipt as proof of purchase.

7. Do NOT contact your post office about junk mail. They are required to deliver all mail to your house.

8. Finally, please recycle any junk mail you do continue to receive. For security, it's recommended that credit card offers and similar junk mail be shredded. Junk mail and shredded paper can be recycled through Pierce County's curbside recycling program.