Book recycling: why books stay out of the paper bin

Books cannot usually go in your paper recycling at home, says Recycle Now, because of the glue that binds them.

• UK

Key facts

• Pass books on to someone else, or give them to a charity shop.
• Some tips recycle books.

Last updated: 15 October 2026

Based on Recycle Now's own pages.

Accepted items

• Books

Restrictions

• Books do not usually go in kerbside paper recycling.

Related item guides

• Books

Other kinds of place

• Clothes donation bins and clothes banks near you
• Electrical recycling near you for old electricals
• Charity shops and donation points near you

Schemes and collection services

• BHF shop donations
• Recycle Now locator
• Recycle Now: toys and games