How to Stop Receiving Junk Mail From Nonprofit Organizations

Junk mail wastes significant amounts of paper.

Junk mail is sent to American families in the hopes that the advertising with these pamphlets and flyers will entice people to participate in sales, surveys, open credit card accounts and other money-making activities. This type of direct marketing is sent to your place of residence based on data collected about your home's occupants and buying habits. Whether you consider it harassment or paper wasting, there are several ways to stop junk mail from coming.

Instructions

1. Register for the "Do not mail" list with the Direct Marketing Association (see references). The DMA collects information on buying preferences and demographic data. Renew online registration at least quarterly to remain on the updated lists.

2. Contact organizations individually. Nonprofit organizations will often send you junk mail or update letters after a donation or participation in their fund-raising events. The junk mail, in the mind of the organization, encourages or reminds past donors to donate again. Use the contact information on the letters to get in touch with the organization's public relations team and request to be taken off the mailing list.

3. Pay more attention to your donation cards when giving to nonprofit organizations. On envelopes and donations cards there are often boxes to check signifying you do not want the public release of your information. If there is not a box, specify this in writing when making your donation.

4. Include as little personal information as possible when making a charitable donation. Instead of using a check with your name and address on it, use cash. If you still wish to use your donation as a tax write-off, make the donation in person at the charity's headquarters and request a written receipt of donation.

5. Register for a service that specializes in stopping junk mail. Companies like 41pounds.org specialize in having peoples' contact information removed from advertising and nonprofit lists. There is a fee for these services.

References

• Privacy Rights Clearing House: Junk Mail: How Did They All Get My Address?
• Direct Marketing Association