Book Recycling Facts

If Americans were to recycle phone books, each year approximately 650,000 tons of paper could be saved.

  • Paperback books contain 40% or more recycled paper and can be recycled again.
  • Hardcover books are produced with high quality paper which can be recycled and reused in order to produce new paper products.
  • In 2006 the U.S. printed more than 172,000 new book titles. In order to produce just one ton of paper needed for these new books, 3,688 lbs. of wood, 24,000 gallons of water, 216 lbs. of lime, 360 lbs. of salt cake and 76 lbs. of soda ash are required. Afterwards 84 lbs. of air pollutants, 36 lbs. of water pollutants and 176 lbs. of solid waste must be treated and disposed of.
  • Currently cardboard and paper combined make up over 73% of materials in landfills.
  • If Americans were to recycle phone books, each year approximately 650,000 tons of paper could be saved.

 

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