The best way to make sure you don’t have to find a place for book waste is to check one out from your local library instead of buying it. This way it is reused over and over again by many different people.

If you have to own a book, or your local library doesn’t have it in stock, consider buying it used. Sites like Half.com and Amazon have used books for sale. Check with your local bookstores, too!

When it does come time to part with your books, you can consider selling or donating them if they are still in good condition. Book stores, thrift stores, and local libraries will often take donations of used books for resale and reuse.

Organizations like Better World Books will take donations in a “box” site drop off. They provide large, metal containers where you can drop off your books through a door or slot. The books are then sent to areas of the world where they are needed.

Some local recycling drop off sites will take books that are no longer in good condition. The covers, bindings, and paper from the books is  then recycled separately into new commodities. Check with your community contact to find out if books can be recycled near you.

Phone books are quickly becoming obsolete for most people these days. Internet and technology allow us to look up phone numbers, addresses, and more on our computers, tablets, and smartphones. If you still receive a phone book but wish not to, YellowPages offers an “opt out” option. You can sign up for it here.