This guide answers how to recycle old books and explains the safest practical approach for UK households. Local containers and services vary, so always confirm the final route with your own council.
Quick answer: Donate or sell readable books first. Damaged paperbacks may be accepted with paper, while hardbacks often need their covers removed or a recycling-centre route.
Why the correct route matters
Reuse preserves the energy and materials already invested in a book. Bindings, fabric, glue and laminated covers can complicate ordinary paper processing.
What to do
- Sort books into reusable, damaged and confidential categories.
- Offer current, clean books to charities, schools or community exchanges.
- Check whether your council accepts paperbacks and hardbacks.
- Remove non-paper covers only when local guidance requests it.
What to avoid
Do not leave unwanted books outside a closed charity shop or beside a recycling bank. Wet or mouldy books are unsuitable for donation.
Other practical options
Use resale platforms, neighbourhood libraries or book swaps. Specialist paper recyclers may handle larger personal collections.
Choose reuse before paper recovery
Charities and community book exchanges need clean, saleable titles rather than boxes of damp, mouldy or badly annotated books. Contact an organisation before delivering a large collection, particularly textbooks, encyclopaedias or out-of-date reference works.
For damaged books, distinguish paper pages from hard covers, fabric spines, plastic coatings and electronic components. Some councils accept paperbacks with paper, while hardbacks may need dismantling or a recycling-centre route.
Explore more advice in Recycling at Home.
Check the rule for your address
Use BinDayz to identify your council and open its official collection information.
Never miss another bin day
Get free bin collection reminders, useful bank-holiday updates and practical recycling advice from BinDayz.
Official guidance
For further information, see Recycle Now book guidance and confirm the service available at your address.
Sources checked: July 2026. Local services and national requirements can change.
Frequently asked questions
Can hardback books go in paper recycling?
Not automatically. The rigid cover and binding materials can interfere with paper processing, so follow the council’s book-specific instruction.
What should happen to mouldy books?
They should not be donated because mould can spread to other stock. Use the disposal route recommended by the council.