March 2, 2026
Quick Answer: Rockland County residents can recycle books in blue curbside bins (remove hardcover covers first), donate to local libraries and thrift stores, or repurpose damaged books into craft projects. Books with mold or water damage belong in regular trash.
Can You Recycle Books in Rockland County?
Yes. Books are recyclable in Rockland County through your blue curbside recycling bin. Visit "What Goes Where" on our website to see where other items go, such as paper and cardboard.
How to recycle books properly:
- Separate hardcover book covers from pages (paperbacks go in as-is)
- Place paper pages in your blue recycling bin
- Set bin out on your regular collection day
- Place the removed hard covers in the regular trash.
Rockland Green's Materials Recovery Facility processes commingled papers, separating them by grade before baling and shipping to manufacturing plants where they become new paper products.
Where to Donate Books in Rockland County
Book donations extend reading life while supporting community organizations. Rockland Green recommends donating household items in good condition rather than disposing of them.
Top donation locations:
1. Rockland Public Libraries – Accepts gently-used books.
2. Salvation Army Drop-Off Centers
- 440 West Nyack Road West Nyack
- 201 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern
- Free pickup available at satruck.org
3. Goodwill Rockland County
- 130 West Route 59, Nanuet
- Schedule donations at goodwillnynj.org
What libraries won't accept: Books with mold, mildew, musty/smoky smells, water stains, highlighting, or damaged pages.
Book Disposal Decision Chart
| Book Condition | Best Option | Where to Take It |
| Gently used, readable | Donate | Local libraries, thrift stores |
| Worn but intact | Recycle | Blue curbside bin |
| Damaged/torn pages | Repurpose for crafts | DIY home projects |
| Mold, water damage | Trash | Regular garbage bin |
Creative Book Repurposing Ideas
Transform damaged books into art projects before recycling.
Easy craft projects:
- Frame attractive book covers as wall art
- Create planters from hollowed hardcovers for succulents
- Make wrapping paper from illustrated children's book pages
- Fashion greeting cards from colorful cookbook pages
- Craft decorative bunting from vintage book pages
- Design book spine bookmarks for literary gifts
These sustainable alternatives reduce waste while creating personalized home decor celebrating reading and literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I recycle hardcover books in Rockland County?
A: Yes, but remove the hardcover first. Place paper pages in your blue recycling bin.
Q: Do Rockland County libraries accept all book donations?
A: No. Libraries refuse books with mold, mildew, water damage, highlighting, or strong odors. Call ahead to confirm donation policies.
Q: What should I do with water-damaged books?
A: Place them in regular trash. Contaminated books cannot be safely recycled or donated.
Q: Can I recycle directories and notepads?
A: Yes, they go in your blue recycling bin.
Q: Where's the closest book donation drop-off?
A: Check the donation locations list and links above. Most Rockland County residents have a library, Salvation Army, or Goodwill within 15 minutes.
Making Environmentally Responsible Choices
When deciding between donating, recycling, or repurposing old books, prioritize based on condition. Books too damaged to read but physically intact can be recycled through Rockland County's blue bin program, keeping paper materials out of landfills. Reserve regular trash disposal only for books contaminated by mold, water, or other hazards.
Visit us or call (845) 753-2200 for comprehensive recycling and waste management information serving all Rockland County residents.