At least two major U.S. cities are working to ban or restrict the distribution of the Yellow Pages. City officials in both San Fransisco and Seattle say the books are wasteful and often end up in the trash unused. San Fransisco could become the first city to ban the unsolicited distribution of the Yellow Pages. Legislation was introduced that would require phone companies and other distributors of Yellow Pages to get permission in advance before leaving them on doorstops. City official David Chu told the San Fransisco Chronicle “If we’re serious about the environment, it’s time we recognize that phone books are a 20th century tool that doesn’t meet the business or environmental needs of the 21st century.”  In Seattle, the city council just voted to approve a 14-cent fee it would charge distributors of every Yellow Pages book that is delivered. The Seattle Times reports the city will also launch an opt-out website in April for residents who want to opt out of receiving the Yellow Pages. The city will then charge a $125 fine to distributors who deliver a book to residents who have opted out. The Yellow Pages Association has its own opt-out website to allow customers to opt out of some or all Yellow Pages deliveries. The association says the www.yellowpagesoptout.com site is a win for the industry and customers because it will save money in printing and distribution.