How to block junk mail

The never-ending battle against junk mail! Here are some effective ways to block junk mail:

  1. National Do Not Mail List: Register your name and address on the National Do Not Mail List, a free service provided by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). This will help reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.
  2. Opt-out online: Many companies allow you to opt-out of receiving mailings online. Look for a "unsubscribe" or "opt-out" link on the company's website or in their email newsletters.
  3. Contact the sender: If you receive junk mail from a specific company, contact them directly and ask to be removed from their mailing list. You can usually find their contact information on the mailpiece.
  4. Use a mail-blocking service: Services like 41pounds.co.uk (UK) or Catalog Choice (US) allow you to opt-out of receiving mail from specific companies or categories of mail.
  5. Use a postal service filter: Some postal services, like the US Postal Service, offer filters that can help reduce junk mail. For example, you can request that your mail be sorted by hand, which may reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.
  6. Use a mail-blocking device: Devices like the MailGuard or the Junk Mail Blocker can be installed on your mailbox to block junk mail from entering your home.
  7. Report junk mail to the USPS: If you receive junk mail that is illegal or harassing, report it to the US Postal Service (USPS) or your local postal authority.
  8. Use a paperless billing service: Consider switching to paperless billing for your bills and statements, which can reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.
  9. Use a junk mail filter: Some email services, like Gmail, offer filters that can help reduce junk mail. You can set up filters to automatically sort or delete unwanted emails.
  10. Consider a junk mail reduction service: Services like Earth911 or Green America offer junk mail reduction programs that can help you reduce your junk mail intake.

Remember, it may take some time and effort to completely eliminate junk mail, but by using these methods, you can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive.