How to recycle/upcycle old books - list

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      Books are a treasure to have, but sometimes not all books survive the test of time. And sometimes not all books you want to keep around and sometimes you don't have enough storage place to keep them around. In this article I will try to compile a list of some of the ways you and I can recycle or upcycle old books.


1. Bringing waste paper to recycling centres

This is a obvious choice, although most of the time it is a service for a cost. But sometimes they may take your waste paper for free on certain occasions.


2. DIY craft projects using the hardcover part of the books.

    Including, but not limited to, hidden storage, hardcover back bookmarks, organiser, reusing hardcover for recycled paper books, book stand, maybe a weaved paper basket or any art installation. A simple google search on images will yield a substantial amount of material for inspiration.

Here is a one example on paper recycling using newspapers: Weaved paper basket.

3. Making recycled paper from text block.

    By simply shredding the paper, soaking it in water and then turning it to a pulp we can create our own recycled paper. This would be a true recycle and not just an upcycle.

4. Using pages from books as interior design elements.

    Most obvious of the uses would probably be wallpaper, but they can also be used as a framed art. Also depending on the contents and the font of the text, you could use the pages as glued surface on the coffee table or any material really.

5. Using the whole books as interior design elements.

    Stack them, glue them, nail them, screw them. What ever method you use books can be used as pillars, wall decoration, a shelf with the use of some angles, a faux library. Maybe you always wanted a secret door in your home, then hide it with a fake book wall or a hidden book shelf.



6. Recycling books to make a cellulose bricks.

    This might not be the easiest way, but it is definitely a recycle. The process starts the same as recycling paper. Shred the material, soak it and ideally press the mass in a not too big rectangular box. Then after about a day of drying you should be left with a nice block of cellulose. After letting the block fully dry out, after several days, you now have a burnable recycled fire block.

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