Book recycling involves the processing of discarded books to reclaim materials like paper, cardboard, and sometimes even cloth or leather. This process diverts books from landfills, where they decompose and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. A common example is pulping books to create recycled paper, which can then be used to create new books or other paper products.
Resource conservation and waste reduction are primary benefits. Reusing book materials reduces the demand for virgin resources like trees, lessening the environmental impact of paper production. Historically, books were often reused or repurposed before the advent of large-scale recycling programs. Today, dedicated initiatives collect and process discarded books, contributing to a circular economy and promoting sustainability. This practice supports environmental protection by minimizing deforestation and reducing landfill waste.