As we all know you can't use the postage paid envelopes for personal things but I take the envelopes, throw into the microwave for a few seconds and open the seams.  Turned inside out with a piece of tape and I don't buy envelopes.  Great for sending the bills when you can't pay online. 

All papers get used someway.  Lots get into a box for the grandkids to cut, color, or just draw on.   Cards are expecially great as can be used in scrapbooking, making new cards, and just decorating anything a kid can think of.

Check with the recycler in your town. I recycle letters, fliers, office-type paper, in our paper recycle bin every two weeks. I also follow a suggestion I heard (I think from Andy Rooney) and return the contents of junk mail in the postage paid envelope. I have also included the letters from companies that don't provide postage paid envelopes.

OMG this is the best tip I have heard , we get so much mail it is unbelievable.!!!!!  If I could cut down on some junk mail it would be great!!! I do turn some of it into note pads for messages , or write grocery lists on envelopes ,but there is only so much you can use . Is there a way to recycle this junk mail?

Good tip, lamNoodles.

And if you want to reduce how much junk mail you get, go to the website www.41pounds.org, and they make it easy to get off mailing lists, etc.  By the way, "41 pounds" refers to the amount of junk mail the typical American household recieves every year --- that's like getting an Olsen twin in the mail!