The US Yellow Pages industry’s associations have jointly announced the launch of an opt out phone number look up for your local yellow pages.

Unfortunately it’s not an online form. It’s just a list of phone numbers to call. Still, I suppose it’s a step in the right direction in that it makes it easier to find the opt out numbers.

Go to the search form here and put in your zip code. The site then comes back with the Yellow Page directories that deliver to your area and the number to call if you want to opt out of receiving the printed directory.

I haven’t tried it yet so I have no idea how long you might be on hold. Nor can I confirm it works. From reports such as this one getting them to actually stop delivering the books might not be as easy as making a few calls.

The continuing debate about Yellow Pages opt out/opt in is still on. If the companies will actually honor the opt out requests they receive then this may go some way towards cooling the animosity and frustration that the indiscriminate dumping of the books has created in many households.

There are third party services that offer to do all the calling for you such as this one. Note that in order for them to do this you have to provide them with your personal details such as name and address.

The Canadian Yellow Pages Group is actually leading the way here in that it allows opt out using a – wait for it – dedicated online form (whatever will they think of next?). They also have a number you can call 1-800-268-5637.

In the UK, the Yellow Page publishers don’t even publish the opt out numbers. For Yell it’s 0800 671 444 or your can try using their general contact form. For Thomson Directories it’s 01252 555 555, use their general contact form or email info@thomsonlocal.com. And for BT it’s 0800 800150.

Alternatively try this service that sends a form on your behalf to all three plus the Royal Mail’s Door to Door opt out scheme, The Direct Marketing Association’s opt out scheme and the Mail Preference Service. Sounds good to me. Just be aware that emails can get lost, stuck in the spam filter or simply ignored. If you want to be absolutely sure that you’ll be removed from their distribution list you might have to pick up the phone.

In Australia Telstra’s Sensis allows you to opt out by calling 1800 810 211 or by emailing bookdelivery@sensis.com.au.