Books Recycle Curbside Paperback books can be recycled. Books must not be plastic-laminated, food-soiled, or waxed. Hardcover books: Remove the covers and the rest of the pages can be recycled. Books are meant to be reused! Before you recycle or trash, consider donating! Friends of the Torrance Public Library might be interested in your no longer wanted books, as well as CD’s, DVDs, VHS, and magazines. To learn more, visit: https://www.friendsofthetorrancelibrary.org/donations If you have a large amount of books, Re-Book It offers pickup services (check their FAQ for details). Remove Hardcover Spines and Covers Recycle hardcover books with paper, but remove their spines and book covers first. Hardcovers are too tough for recycling equipment to process. Paperback covers do not need to be removed. Ways to Reduce Check Out from the Library Take advantage of your library and check out books. Checking out books, instead of buying them brand-new, saves paper and keeps more old books out of landfills. Ways to Reuse Free Little Library Free Little Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. There are over 32,000 registered little libraries that are spread out across all fifty states and seven countries. Find a free little library. Make a Donation Drop off unwanted books at a charity or thrift shop. You can donate children books to the Boys and Girls Club and academic books to the Bridge to Asia program. Sell Your Books Consider selling old books at a yard sale or to a bookstore that sells used books. There are also online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay or AbeBooks. Did You Know? The Environmental Impact of Books Two billion books are purchased annually in the United States. Keep in mind that one tree makes only about 25 books.