Get rid of those books

Personal Library Too Big? Re-purpose!

Are you a lover of books of all kinds?

Have a hard time getting rid of old magazines?

If you’re like me you promise you’ll one day take another look at that chocolate zucchini cake recipe, or that backyard landscaping article, but one day never seems to come.

Is your hardcover book collection taking up more and more valuable real estate on your shelves as each year passes?  Always have one too many outdated phone directories cluttering up your home office space?

Here are some tips to help you cull that book, magazine and directory clutter once and for all.

First, be aware hardcover books or softcover paperbacks are not permitted for recycling in your curbside recycling cart.

They are not part of the Recycle BC paper and packaging program. There are still many other options available to you to help regain some bookshelf real estate.

Consider a book swap with family and friends. Sell them, or give them away online. Consider donating them to your favourite thrift store or charity, or having a garage sale.

Try contacting your local chapter of the Friends of the Library. They gratefully accept not only donations of books, but also CDs, DVDs, puzzles and games. And their sales help fund valuable local causes.

IF your books aren’t in good shape, West Kelowna’s Planet Earth Recycling is an option to consider, a good spot for outdated textbooks or encyclopedias that you may have a hard time unloading.

You can put your old phone books in your curbside recycling cart. The same goes for business directories.
Keep in mind though, if you’re getting any directory delivered to your doorstep and you never use it, because you do all your info lookup online, remove yourself once and for all from the company’s delivery list. Today.

That way by the time the next issue is about to hit circulation, you won’t be on it, and won’t be wasting valuable production/delivery time by accepting something you don’t need or want.

How about those stacks of magazines taking up household space and energy? Yes, they too can get tossed into your curbside recycling cart. Or, if they are still in good shape and can provide some entertainment and education value, pass them on to others.

Check in with your local seniors’ centre, long-term care facility, doctors’ or dentists’ offices, women’s shelter, kids daycare to see if they can use those old magazines.

Swap with friends and family. Or, send them on their way to your local thrift store. Just remember to X out your personal information on the front cover before you pass them along.

We may as well mention household paper clutter while we are at it. Those stacks of outdated flyers, kids school projects, even bills and statements are all just fine in your curbside recycling bin.

If it’s sensitive material you wish to shred, keep in mind with shredded paper, you are asked to put that in a clear plastic bag before you put it in your cart — the only time a plastic bag is OK in your curbside recycling bin.

And, of course, if you are not yet a fan of online billing, it’s something to consider if you wish to reduce your paper waste in future.

Oh and finally, have you met Pinterest? The next time you have an hour or 10 to spare, Google  the zillions of fun and crafty project ideas all made from  pre loved books, magazines and kids art: baskets, decoupage lamp shades, wall art, earrings.

The ideas are amazing and endless.

As always, when wondering what to recycle and where, there’s the handy and free to download Recycle Coach app, or visit regionaldistrict.com/recycle.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.