Can Old Encyclopedias Be Recycled?

The cover and spine contain non-paper materials that are considered contaminants in the paper recycling stream. Most libraries or other book reuse and resale organizations do not accept encyclopedias or text books.

How do you dispose of old encyclopedias?

Try boxing up your encyclopedias and dropping them off at a local used bookstore. If you're looking for a more purposeful use for your old encyclopedias, try local schools and libraries.

What can I do with vintage encyclopedias?

Recycling encyclopedias

Call your local library and ask if you may donate your set to be sold. Put it up for giveaway on freecycle.org. If they're really old -- say, more than 100 years -- call a rare bookseller and ask if they're worth anything. Find out if a local recycler takes them.