Pinellas County Utilities Waste Reduction Programs
Waste Reduction

Junk Mail | Waste Reduction Tips | Reuse Tips

Junk Mail

Unwanted mail is a nuisance. What's more, most of it is just gets thrown away. If you want to get your name removed from mailing lists, all you need to do is take these simple steps: 1.     Print out this letter, sign it, and print on it all the names that receive unwanted mail at your address. Use every form of your names (Mrs. Doe, Mrs. J. Doe, Mrs. Jane Doe, Jane Doe).  Don't forget to print your address! 2.     Click here for a printable list of addresses to send this letter to. 3.     Additionally, you can call 1-888-5OPT OUT to have your name removed (for either two years or permanently) from mailing lists used for credit offers. You will be asked to provide your name, address, social security number, and telephone number. 4.     We suggest you send these requests in every year. Please allow these companies up to two months to remove your name.

Tips

Reduce

Reducing the amount of trash created by consuming fewer things is the first step in resource conservation.

Buy the items with the least packaging. The less packaging you have to remove from a product before using it, the less packaging youÕll have to throw away later.

 Buy the largest size convenient to your lifestyle. If you buy an 8-oz. bottle of shampoo every two weeks, consider buying a 16-oz bottle that will last a month. BONUS: ÒeconomyÓ or ÒfamilyÓ sizes usually cost less per ounce or use than smaller sizes.

At the grocery store, ask the baggers to leave gallon jugs unbagged. Carry the bottle by its handle instead.

Buy unwrapped fruits and vegetables instead of the ones shrink-wrapped in trays.

Reuse

Reusing items rather than discarding them helps conserve resources.

Either invest in a few sturdy canvas bags for your groceries or reuse old plastic ones from your last shopping trip. Canvas bags with handles hold more items, donÕt cut into your hands like plastic bags, and donÕt break and scatter your groceries all over the parking lot.

Switch to rechargeable batteries.

Consider using an electric razor instead of a disposable one.

Leave grass clippings on your lawn, where they act as fertilizer.

Donate unwanted appliances, furniture, clothing, and other household goods to a local charity instead of throwing them out. BONUS: Many organizations will come pick up large items and give a receipt for your taxes.

Switch to cloth napkins...and keep extras on hand for company and to make sure you donÕt have to do extra wash.

Got a fruit tree? Instead of throwing out unwanted fruit, donate it to a local food pantry or soup kitchen.

When children no longer want a toy, trade it with a friend for one of their childrenÕs toys. Some playgroups and neighborhoods have organized toy Òswap shopsÓ for that purpose. 

Bring usable unwanted chemicals to our <a href= link to Swap Shop>Swap Shop</a>, where citizens can drop off unwanted household chemicals and pick up ones they do need - FREE!