Stopping Junk Mail

[Dual EE]

A few years ago I came up with an idea of eliminating the amount of junk mail I was receiving through the mail. I was receiving from 15 to 25 pieces of junk mail every week. The area where I live no longer allows the use of burn barrels so I had to find another way of disposing of this mail.



I first started by writing "return to sender mail not requested" on the outside of envelope and sending the letter back. But this really didn't seem like it worked very well.



So now I use the preaddressed postage paid envelope that is contained inside the junk mail to return them the junk they just mailed to me. But here is the best part. I stuff as much Sunday newspaper sale adds into the envelope that I can. The envelope usually has to be taped shut because the flap will no longer close completely. Try to use glossy adds because they are the heaviest. (Now I'm not sure about this, but I believe they get charged more for the extra weight. ) On the back side of the envelope I write, "Please take me off your mailing list-Mail not requested". Now I make sure that they can still find my name and address inside. I also put my return address label on the front to help them.



If the junk mail comes without a preaddressed envelope, I just stuff the original envelope full of adds and send it back with my request on the back.



I now have cut my junk mail down to 3-4 pieces a week since I started this. Friends and family members that have used this idea have noted a reduction of junk mail. If you order a lot of items on the internet, this may not work. The company you order from may give/sell your personal info to other companies which starts the process over again.

 

[scootergmc]

That's funny. However, they have a do-not-call list for telemarketers. I can't believe they don't have a do-not-mail list. And it really sucks when you're a homeowner with excellent credit. I get anywhere from 3-7 pieces of pre-sorted first class garbage every day... .

 

[klenger]

I send it all back too. Sometimes I will mix up the contents from different mailings. I probably send back 20 envelopes a week. Since the USPS is now self funded, and with email taking such a bite out of their traditional business, it helps them make some money. When the USPS sponsered the cycling team, I felt I was making a personal contribution to Lance Armstrong I have not seen any reduction in junk mail, but it makes me feel better. I've often asked my wife if she will continue this tradition after I die.

 

[nickleinonen]

when i pick up the mail from the superbox, i thumb through the stuff, and junk mail goes right back into the mail slot. where it goes from there??? i don't really care

 

[red-rider]

That's funny. Im assuming your sending them back their Business Reply Mail. They actually pay . 41 cents for that service and when the weight of the letter is different they do get billed more. If you really want to get back at them throw a certified green barcode from your post office on it and that would add another $2. 30 to that letter, plus you can track it and find out when it gets delivered.



Heres a web link that you can use to get your name removed.



http://www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist



Register through the mail though, it only take 2 to 3 days longer, save yourself the fee.

 

[MKinner]

I do the exact same thing. Get the junk in the mail, open it up, get the "no postage required" envelope and put everything back in it and send it right back. The mail man has to eat too, right? I never asked for the ****. My buddy just graduated with a degree in marketing and said that if everyone in the country did that, the credit card companys would go bankrupt from the postage alone. It's nothing more than legalized litter.

 

[Jeff H]

I've been doing that for quite a few years. I stuff all sorts of advertising in them. Good way to get rid of those porno subscription forms from playboy. Heck some times I can alsmost eliminate all the paper from going into the trash.

 

[Bob Wagner]

I will start packing the envelope fuller #ad






double EE :-laf love it!

 

[Eric_77]

Used to have fun with this by adding pieces of scrap steel to the postage paid envelope. legal size envelope would weigh about 2. 5 pounds :--) but I also got a little info that all this junk mail subsidiezes the mail cost for the rest of us and without it a first class stamp would be about double. So for now I just put it in the recycle bin and thank them for keeping our mail costs down.