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[Scott Chilcote <scottchilcote AT earthlink.net>]

On 07/19/2010 08:32 PM, Márcia Clover wrote:
> I have some old tech books I could burn in my back yard, but I would like to 
> dispose of then in an more environmentaly friendly way.  The recycling 
> service at work won't take them!
>
> Any ideas?

Hi Márcia,

We got rid of several boxes of books last year when we moved to a new 
house.  Here's what I did.

1. Separate out books that are in bad condition, textbooks, 
computer-related books that are more than five years old, or anything 
else that gets outdated quickly (e.g. movie reviews, employment related, 
consumer guides).  No one will take those, not even the library.

2. If you have the time, want some cash and some of your books are in 
good condition, take them to one or two used bookstores first.  They 
usually accept only 1/4 to 1/3 of the books I consider to be sellable, 
so expect to have several left.  But you can get cash or credit towards 
their books.  They will not take canceled library books though, even 
ones in good condition.

3. To get rid of most of the rest, visit either the library or goodwill. 
 Wake County accepts a wide variety of used books for their annual 
library sale.  They will accept canceled library books, but will give 
back old textbooks, outdated computer books, and damaged books. 
Goodwill seems to take almost anything, but it can depend on who's 
working in receiving the day that you go.

4. The rest go to the recycling center.  They're the only ones who 
aren't picky, so if you just want to unload them go there first.

Good luck,

Scott C.