If you can put paper in your recycling bin, chances are you can recycle books, too.
There’s also the cover to consider, since it may contain plastic, cloth, leather, or other non-paper bookbinding materials.
Some recyclers accept both hardback and paperback books, while others may only accept paperbacks.
How do you dispose of old textbooks?
10 Ways to Recycle Your Old Books
- Donate to your local library. Bring your gently used books to your local library.
- Donate to a local charity. Bring your boxes of used books to your local Goodwill, Salvation Army or other local charity.
- Make some gift tags.
- Recycle your unusable books.
- Sell them or give them away online.
- Make a “Free Books” box.
Can textbooks be recycled?
Most curbside recycling programs accept magazines and paperback books as mixed paper. Some programs specifically exclude hardcover books because of the binding, unless you remove it. You definitely want to check with your local program, though.
What should you not put in your recycling bin?
18 Common Items You Should Never Put in the Recycling Bin
- Pizza boxes. The grease can’t be separated from the paper fibers.
- Light bulbs. Check your state regulations for disposal.
- Food soiled containers. There can’t be any residue.
- Aluminum foil. The foil isn’t recyclable.
- Capped water bottles. The caps have to be separate from the bottle.
- Drinking glasses.
Does goodwill take old textbooks?
Drop your old textbooks off at your nearest Goodwill store. If you do not have a Goodwill store in your area, you can make arrangements for them to come and pick up your donations. Goodwill will even give you a receipt that you can use as a deduction on your taxes.