An estimated 15 - 20% of total municipal waste generation in the US by weight is mixed paper - not including clean newspapers. The City of San Bernardino alone must find markets for 250-300 tons of mixed paper per month. A significant portion of municipal waste paper is generated by unsolicited mail and faxes - commonly called "junk" mail or faxes.

What is Unsolicited or "Junk" Mail or Faxes?

• Unsolicited handbills on vehicles, at businesses, and at residences.
• Unsolicited direct-mail catalogs, brochures, etc, in your name.
• Unsolicited distribution of catalogs and other advertising addressed to "Resident".
• USPS distributes other local advertising circulars such as the Penny Saver that have no address.
• Newspaper distribution of unsubscribed coupons and advertisements to your doorstep.
• Mis-addressed and mis-delivered mail.
• Unsolicited faxed advertisements at work.

What Resources are Available to Reduce Unsolicited Mail?

CalRecycle Waste Prevention World at http://www1.calrecycle.ca.gov/ReduceWaste/Home/JunkMail.htm
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse at www.privacyrights.org
USPS Sexually Offensive Advertisements (SOA) consumer Protection Kit available at any local office

What Resources are Available to Reduce Unsolicited Credit & Insurance Offers?

US Fair Credit Reporting Act provides the 1-888-5OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) toll-free hotline

What Resources are Available to Resources for a small fee?

Junk Busters at www.junkbusters.com
Private Citizen at www.private-citizen.com
Consumer Research Institute at www.stopjunk.com - Stop Junk Mail Kit

What Resources are Available to Reduce Unsolicited Faxes?

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 1-888-225-5322 or www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/unwantedfaxes.html

What Legislative Tools are Available?

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules prohibit sending unsolicited fax advertisements. See above.

City of San Bernardino Municipal Code

SBMC 8.15.070 - Throwing or distributing handbills in public places.
SBMC 8.15.080 - Placing commercial and noncommercial handbills on vehicles.
SBMC 8.15.100 - Prohibiting distribution of handbills where properly posted.
SBMC 8.15.110 - Distributing commercial and noncommercial handbills at inhabited private premises.