Every Monday morning is recycling day in my building. The night before I go out, gather everything up, and place it in the proper bins. A chunk of the mail that goes into the mixed paper bin is unopened mailers or catalogs. Basically, it's junk mail. If this situation describes your household, here are five toll free numbers that can you can use now to stop junk mail.

The companies listed are some of the largest direct mailers. Some may not be present in your location. I’ve tried to identify their promotional names, as that may be easier for recognition. If you like the company’s products or services, then it may make sense to stay on their list. But, if you’re just throwing the items away, a better use of your time is to get off their mailing list.

Some companies are good about removal instructions. They make it easy to find the info on the web page. Other sites bury the info. One of the places to start is the site’s Privacy page and look for the terms “opt out” or removal.

ADVO removal instructions

The company might be best known for their missing children public service mailers. Apart from these pieces, you might also see the names SuperCoups® and Shopper's Guide.

Call ADVO's Consumer Assistance line toll free at 888-241-6760 (8:30am-5:00pm EST),

You may also fill out a free online form http://www.advo.com/consumersupport.html

Credit Card Promotions removal instructions

The top 4 credit card reporting bureaus, Equifax, experian, INNOVIS, and TransUnion have a dedicated site with opt out information. The site explains the pros and cons of these offers.

To stop credit card promotional offers, call 888-5OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). You’ll need to provide your name, address and social security number. Your social security number is used to find variations of your name that appear on their mailing lists.

You can opt out for a period of 5 years using the online form at http://www.optoutprescreen.com/.

Harte Hanks removal instructions

The company sends out mail pieces using the names PennySaver and the Flyer.

If you do not want to get their print publications or phone calls, call (800) 422-4116 or (813) 626-SELL

Land’s End removal instructions

This company is now part of Sears and sends catalogs in their own name.

If you order Lands' End merchandise by mail or phone and do not want to have your name traded with non-affiliated companies, call 1-800-356-4444.

You can email them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please include your name and mailing address in the message.

Valpak removal instructions

This company is part of Cox Media and mails coupons under the ValPak name.

Call and ask to be removed from their list: 1-800-237-6266.

You can also use their online form at:

http://www.coxtarget.com/mailsuppression/s/DisplayMailSuppressionForm

Private Solutions

One of the newer solutions to appear is a company called Green Dimes. I first heard about it through Evan Williams’ blog. You pay a nominal monthly fee and the company will cut your junk mail for five names in your household. The kicker is they have a partnership with Trees for the Future and will plant a tree on your behalf every month.

Often, it can take several months before you get the junk mail to stop so it’s probably too soon to know the company’s effectiveness.

See more: http://www.greendimes.com

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