Books, Textbooks & Magazines
Old books, textbooks, and magazines can be recycled as paper after removing plastic covers and metal spirals, tied with string.
How to Dispose (5 Steps)
- 1
Remove plastic vinyl covers, stickers, and bookmarks attached to book covers.
- 2
For spiral notebooks: remove metal/plastic spirals and plastic transparent covers separately.
- 3
Consider selling reusable books to secondhand bookstores or donating to charity.
- 4
Stack books 15–20cm high and tie firmly with string in a cross pattern.
- 5
Place bound book stacks neatly at designated paper recycling collection spots.
Real-World Examples
Textbooks / Novels / Magazines: Tie with string for paper recycling
Metal Spirals / Plastic Covers: Separate into metal scrap and general waste
Mint Condition Books: Resell to secondhand bookshops or donate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Should plastic film covers or vinyl bindings be removed from books before recycling?
A. Yes. Remove vinyl covers and plastic spiral bindings before placing paper books into paper recycling.
Q. Can hardcover books be recycled directly?
A. Separate thick hardcover casings if possible; paper inner pages can be recycled as paper.