Paper recycling
How to Recycle Phone Books
Telephone directories and yellow pages.
Check local acceptanceLast reviewed July 30, 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. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
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
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
Recycle phone books
Search recycling centers by city or ZIP, or explore more paper materials.