By Agnieszka Spieszny
If you’re sick and tired of coming home to a fresh phone book lying on your doorstep, you can avoid driving it to the recycling center or just chucking it in the trash bin.
Phone book companies assume you want a book and will deliver one unless you tell them to stop. If companies wanted it to be easy to opt out, they would create an “opt out” page on their website. Instead, most companies will have to be reached by phone to complete the process.
What to do:
– Look at the inside cover of the specific book you don’t want to receive. There should be a number listed to contact the company that provided the book. Look for a number that is described as “opt-out” or sometimes cleverly described as “to order more directories”. That is the number to call to opt out. If you cannot locate such a number, it’s best to call customer service and ask for someone with opt out information.
Helpful phone numbers:
AT&T Real Yellow Pages (Michigan only): 1-800-487-6733
Idearc, the publisher of Verizon Yellow Pages: 1-800-888-8448
Yellow Book 1-800-888-8448
Find other numbers in your area here.
– Be ready to give the attendant personal information such as your phone number to look you up in the future if you have additional services with the company. You will be asked for your name and address.
– After a quick verbal confirmation you should be opted out!
Some companies may also have Web sites where you can opt out online, like this Canadian company’s website for example.
– Go to the directory provider’s Web site. Most companies will have their Web page listed in the book, but if not, an online search engine for the company or directory’s name will lead you in the right direction.
The Fine Print
Be wary of third-party Web sites that claim they will opt you out if you submit personal information. Many Web sites are not recognized by publishers and may just be collecting your information for other purposes, according to Pamela McCurdy, the spokeswoman for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that deals with phone book recycling. If you are ever opting out online, make sure you are on the company’s Web page, and you shouldn’t be asked for more information other than your name, address, and phone number.
There may be one catch, based on information from various phone company representatives. Some opt outs are only good for two delivery periods. That means you will have to call again to stop delivery. Ask the company you speak to if this opt out is permanent.
Also, Opting out is effective only if you call before 60 days of the distribution. For such massive distributions, it takes companies lots of time to process information.