Paper recycling
How to Recycle Phone Books
Telephone directories and yellow pages.
RecyclableUpdated Jul 2026
Quick answer
Yes, phone books are made from recyclable paper and go in with curbside paper or mixed recycling. There's no need to separate the covers - just keep them dry - though opting out of future deliveries avoids the waste in the first place.
- Recyclable
- Yes
How to Prepare
- 1Remove any plastic covers if your program requires it
- 2Can typically be recycled whole
- 3Keep dry
- 4Check whether your local program still delivers phone books at all
Where to Recycle
- Curbside recycling
- Recycling centers
Environmental Impact
Made from lower-grade paper than office paper, but still recyclable into newsprint and other products.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Opt out of future delivery
- Use online directories instead
Recycling centers that accept Phone Books
RecycleFind lists recycling centers that accept phone books. Open a listing for hours, contact info, and directions.