Reusing your books is always the best option, but when the cover falls off and the pages become torn, it might be time to say goodbye. Make sure to recycle your paperback books. You never know; maybe they'll be reincarnated as a romance novel!

What about hard-back books?

Hard-back books have additional structures inside and more adhesives to hold everything together. If they aren't in good enough condition to be reused, it's best to throw them in the trash. However, if you can tear the cover and binding off the book, you can recycle the pages inside (just not the cover). Keep in mind that we aren't responsible for your strained muscles, Hulk Hogan!

Where to go

• All of Santa Barbara County (2)

  • Craigslist —
  • Junk Recyclers — 6520 Platt Avenue #650

• Santa Barbara Area (2)

  • *South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station — 4430 Calle Real
  • MarBorg Industries — 119 North Quarantina Street

• Goleta & UCSB Area (1)

  • *South Coast Recycling & Transfer Station — 4430 Calle Real

• Santa Ynez Valley (2)

  • *Santa Ynez Valley Recycling and Transfer Station — 4004 Foxen Canyon Road
  • MarBorg Industries Recycling/ABOP Center – Buellton — 97 Commerce Drive

• Lompoc Valley & VAFB (1)

  • City of Lompoc Recycling Drop-off Facility — 1585 North V St

• Santa Maria Valley (2)

  • City of Santa Maria Landfill, aka City of Santa Maria Regional Landfill — 2065 East Main Street
  • MarBorg Industries Recycling/ABOP Center — 1850 West Betteravia Road

• Cuyama Valley (2)

  • *New Cuyama Transfer Station — 5073 Highway 166
  • *Ventucopa Transfer Station — Highway 33

• Outside Santa Barbara County (1)

  • Earth911.com – Information Only — 3481 Plano Parkway