The average American receives 41 pounds of junk mail per year, of which 44% ends up in a landfill. There are environmental and monetary costs to create, transport, sort, process, manufacture and dispose of these materials.

The United States Postal Service recently approved a plan to increase revenue by increasing the amount of junk mail that flows through the system through a discount for advertisers. For individuals that wish to receive as little junk mail as possible, the following options will aid in reducing the volume of junk mail that you receive.

Return to Sender
Some types of mail can be returned to its source. Junk mail that is sent first class, or has return address or change service requested on the envelope can be refused. If an individual receives this type of mail from a company or charity, write "Refused: Return to Sender" on the envelope and mail it back.

Contact Company
Personally contact retailers and mailers to take you off their mailing list