Reduce the number of books you collect in the future by investing in an e-reader and/or checking out books from the library.
Reuse books by considering the following options:
- Children’s Books can be used at day care centers, after-school programs, and hospitals.
- Also consider donating to organizations that promote literacy for children and adults – either locally or nationally. Some of these organizations may have drop-off centers or will come pick up your books.
- Overseas Donations – there are organizations that send books overseas to developing countries.
- Senior Centers or Retirement Homes usually have libraries and could use books and magazines.
- There are prison book programs and programs that send gently used books to American troops overseas.
- Donate gently used books to charitable organizations.
A word about Library donations
In general Fairfax County libraries will only accept popular titles. Books should be clean and in good condition. It is wise to call in advance and ask for specific needs. Most local libraries cannot handle large volumes of donated books.
Recycle old books
Paperback books can be put in your recycling bin. Hard backed books cannot be recycled. However, you can rip out the pages in hard backed books and put those pages in your recycling bin. Magazines can be recycled.
Disposal of books
Books that are thrown away in the trash (not the recycling bin) do not go to a landfill. All trash in Fairfax County is burned in a waste-to-energy facility that generates electrical power.