Book Recycling

[olathejane]

Does anyone know where we can take old hard covered books in the Metro area for recycling? They're not the kind that would be fun for someone to read, they're more like old how-to manuals, old textbooks that are WAY too old to donate. Yet, not good enough to be considered antique and good for re-sale. Any "local" ideas would be appreciated! We're trying to combine two households and have quite a collection! Ugh.. or is that just plain old clutter?

[thisgreenlife]

So glad you asked!

Actually, my wife and I use Paperbackswap.com to trade our old used books. You post books you're willing to get rid of, and pick out ones that you want and if they're available, and you have credits, you can get those books sent to you free of charge! You earn credits by sending books to other members. You have to pay shipping when you send books, but the free ones you get in return offset that cost, really, so it's still a great deal. We've been members for about 2 months I think and have already received probably over a dozen books between the two of us, maybe more.

But of course, as you said, people probably wouldn't want to read your books so that might not be your best option in this case--but still something to think about for your other used books (paperback or hardcover!).

For your particular books, I think I'd have to recommend Half Price Books. When we lived near Westport I sold stuff to them all the time. Now we live up north, so it's a little further drive, but still there's nothing quite like them. In fact, there should be one pretty near you, I think. I think it's around 95th & Metcalf, if that's close to you at all. That's a much bigger store, too.

There's also one in Lawrence I used to frequent when I lived there, and they have Hastings, also, which is like Borders except they buy used books and DVDs.

I would definitely take your books to Half Price and at least see what they'll give you for them. If money isn't your goal, and it sounds like it's not, then at least you know the books have the possibility of finding another good home, even if they sit on the shelf there for a couple of years before that happens. They'll be out of your way, and off your mind, and you'll even have a little extra pocket money (or store credit) to boot.

That's my two cents! More like twenty cents, but who's counting?

By the way, if you decide to sign up for Paperbackswap.com, let them know that [e-mail] referred you (I'll get credits!), and then after you post nine books into the system you automatically get 3 credits free, even if no one requests them! Great deal.

[olathejane]

Thanks Bobby! I've been to Half Price Books on 119th next to Target. There we managed to get rid of some books that were in great condition. However we're still toting around several hard cover books. It's strictly them that is the issue. Basically if the store doesn't buy them they offer to take them off your hands and after that, they'll just plain and simply throw them into the trash. Pfft.... I could do that. I don't WANT to put them in the landfill! Evidently KC isn't the only area that has this issue, I have friends near Detroit, Michigan and friends near Columbus, Ohio that have both run into this issue. Hard covered books are just down at the bottom of the "reuse or recycle" lists. I've even considered tearing out the pages myself and putting that into the paper bin and the covers into the cardboard bins. I just don't know if this would "fly".

As far as the Paperbackswap.com thing. WOW! Thanks, I'll refer to you when I sign up! How cool.