Can I recycle books?

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In an ideal world, books would be read and passed along for years. But that isn’t always the case. Some books get damaged and are unreadable. Los Angeles residents can recycle hardcover and softcover books, with or without jackets, as mixed paper in curbside blue bins.

It’s still best to resell or donate books in good (or even moderately good) condition. Most local charities, such as the Salvation Army, as well as thrift stores, youth groups, literacy centers, homeless shelters and -- as one reader kindly pointed out, libraries -- accept books. Organizations such as Bridge to Asia, a nonprofit that supplies donated books to Chinese universities, is also an option.

Because policies and recommendations can vary from city to city, each week we ask a sampling of officials from various municipalities to weigh in. Can you recycle hardcover and softcover books in ...

Arcadia: Yes

Burbank: Yes, with hardback spines removed

Glendale: Yes

Irvine: Yes, with hardback covers and spines removed

Long Beach: Yes, with hardback covers removed

Los Angeles: Yes

Manhattan Beach: Yes

Pasadena: Yes

Riverside: Yes

Santa Ana: Yes, if hardback covers and spines are removed

Santa Barbara: Yes

Santa Monica: Yes

Torrance: Yes

Unincorporated L.A.: Yes, if hardback spines and covers are removed

Ventura: Yes, if hardback covers are removed

West Hollywood: Yes

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The archive: Can I Recycle ... ?

Trying to reduce junk mail at home

Kids’ party with no trash? That was the goal

-- Susan Carpenter