Paper & Card
Books
books, textbooks, paperbacks, hardbacks, old books
Can you recycle?
Sometimes
Sometimes — donate readable books first. Paperbacks recycle with paper; hardbacks need their covers removed before recycling.
How to prepare
1. Donate readable books to libraries, charity shops, or book banks. 2. For recycling, put paperbacks straight in with paper and card. 3. Tear the hard covers off hardbacks first — they're not recyclable. 4. Recycle the inner pages with your paper.
Common mistakes
Recycling hardback covers, which contain board and glue that aren't accepted. Throwing away readable books that could be donated or sold. Recycling damp or mouldy books.
What happens after you recycle it?
Recycled book pages are pulped into new paper and card, while donated books are read again and again before they ever reach recycling.
Drop-off guidance
Charity shops, libraries, Little Free Libraries, and book banks take readable books, and textbooks can be sold back or traded online. For recycling, curbside paper collection and paper banks take book pages.
FAQs
Can I recycle books?
Yes — donate readable ones, and recycle the rest with paper. Paperbacks go straight in; remove hardback covers first.
Where can I recycle books near me?
Use the lookup above to find charity shops, book banks, and paper recycling points near you.
Is it free to recycle books?
Yes. Donating and curbside paper recycling are free to use.
Can I get paid to recycle books?
You can sell textbooks and popular titles to buy-back services and secondhand shops; recycling itself doesn't pay.
