Remove Litter From Our Communities: Opt Out of Unwanted Phone Books

After seeing scads of telephone directories lying in driveways and at mailboxes in my neighborhood, I want to remind residents that they can opt-out of receiving unwanted telephone directories by simply going online or making a phone call.

These directories are usually dropped overnight, cropping up like weeds. Some people call it ‘phone book spamming'. I understand these directories can be of value to those without access to a computer or the Internet, but for many people they’re just a bother. Fortunately, AT&T and others have made it relatively easy to opt-out of these unwanted directory deliveries.

If you are seeking to end such deliveries can visit one of two Web sites: www.yellowpagesoptout.com, or www.mydirectories.att.com, or can call toll-free 1-866-329-7118. Residents can also continue to recycle directories either in their curbside recycling bin (if allowed under town guidelines) or by taking them to a local recycling center.

It’s worth noting that the first telephone directory was issued in February 1878—a single page that covered 50 customers in New Haven. Now, half a billion are printed annually. From an environmental standpoint, I can’t imagine the amount of water and paper it takes to make these directories, or the amount of gasoline and oil it takes to distribute them. But I also know telecommunications companies would like to save money, too, by not delivering a product that the consumer has no use for.

AT&T’s Web site notes that requests to opt-out of directory deliveries will be honored for three years, during which time you may be called to ensure that you reside at the same address and that you wish to continue opting out of the directories. It may also take as long as six to 12 weeks to cease he deliveries, and AT&T cannot honor certain opt-out requests, such as those where a landlord controls access to the location.