The disposability of softcover books raises the question of their potential for reintroduction into the material stream. Generally, these books are composed of paper, often with a glued spine, and sometimes a plastic or laminated cover. An example would be a mass-market paperback novel discarded after reading.
Diverting books from landfills through recycling conserves resources, reduces waste, and contributes to a circular economy. Historically, paper recycling has been a common practice, and the ability to reclaim the paper fibers from books helps minimize the demand for virgin pulp, thereby lessening the environmental impact associated with paper production. This process can also potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy.
