Recycling, a new option for unwanted books
Boy, the weather is really getting hot now. I hope you all take some time to slow down so you don’t overheat, and drink plenty of water or maybe a few beverages that will help replace lost electrolytes (salts) that you’ve sweated out. Some people don’t mind the heat, especially when you’re sitting by the pool or maybe in the shade of an umbrella with a beach breeze blowing in and a good book in hand. Whether you buy it or borrow it, when it comes to parting with that book at the end of its useful life, I’d like to invite you to think circularly. Reuse it, repurpose it, and read about our new recycling program before you throw your book in the trash.
Summer days are great for reading. There are so many ways to get reading material. The library offers a summer reading program for kids and adults with fun incentives. Sign up at any Gaston branch. Libraries are unique institutions and are constantly updating their inventory. But sometimes the title you’re looking for isn’t there. Before you head online, though, consider shopping at a bookseller in our community. It would be great fun to browse a local store before your next trip and maybe pick up a coffee drink or snack to go with your new book. Other places to look for great reading material include thrift stores and flea markets, and the Friends of the Library always hosts a great book flea market in the spring.
If you own books you no longer want, there are several ways to ensure your book gets to another reader. Clean the book and check that the pages are in good condition (nobody wants a sticky or paint-smeared book, and consider what markings or edge marks you may have put in it). Check that there are no tears, water damage, mold, etc. (If the book is moldy, it should go in the trash.) Next: How old or outdated is the material? If it’s your college textbook, I can almost guarantee that the edition was probably changed within a year of being printed. Before you give it away, and if you have the time and space, it may make sense to try to sell the book online. Thriftbooks, Ebay, and Amazon are great online options, especially if you have rare editions, out-of-print books, or brand new books you’ve never or barely used, and have the space to store them while you wait for a buyer. Flea markets are also a good opportunity to sell books cheaply.
If you can’t or don’t want to sell the book, it’s time to donate it. Do you have a friend or neighbor who would appreciate the book? Neighbors with young children who would appreciate your children’s books that they’ve outgrown? Is it appropriate to leave them at a Little Free Library? (These are the little house-shaped swap boxes that are usually placed near parks or schools and are a great way to share books in a community.) Of course, you can donate to thrift stores or church flea markets, and the main branch of the Gaston County Library will also accept your donations.
But what if the book is outdated, marked, torn, stained, or curled from water damage? Do you throw it away? No! Our newest recycling program can help. The Hardin Recycle/Convenience Site, located next to the Dallas landfill, is now accepting hardback and paperback books for recycling. Do they have to be damaged or outdated to be recycled? No, the decision is yours. Never before have we been able to recycle hardback books, and now we can sort hardback and paperback books together. The mixed paper bins will continue to accept magazines, crossword puzzle books, and smaller paperbacks, but not hardback books. I am very excited about this new offering for our citizens. Now we can rescue this valuable paper resource, shred it, and reuse it as packaging material for a Charlotte company. The first shipment of discarded library books, carefully selected by volunteers from the Friends of the Library, now sees over 360 kg of books being recycled instead of sent to landfill.
When it comes to the steps we want to take towards a circular economy, “refuse” and “rethink” are top of mind. Can you borrow a book and return it to a library so you don’t have to make any of the above decisions? If you love using technology, can you listen to your book or read it on a tablet? If you’ve brought a book into your home, “reuse” and “repurpose” come before “recycle.” If the book is out of date and the pictures might be old and make for a cool craft or art project, check with schools or local artisans who could make greeting cards or collages. Instead of being the last stop at the landfill, books can now be repurposed and made into something new. Thank you for helping to close the loop where “recycle” is the end of one thing and the beginning of the next.
As always, thanks for reading and enjoy the summer books. As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact [email protected] or call the Recycling Hotline at 704-922-7729.
Becca Hurd is the recycling coordinator for Gaston County.
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