What percent of waste in landfills is made up of phonebooks?
Of the municipal solid waste generated in the U.S., just .3% is from yellow page directories, according to the 2008 Facts and Figures report distributed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Is it really possible to recycle phonebooks?
Yes. Their pages are 100 percent recyclable and are often used to make new phonebooks.
What are phone books made from?
Yellow Pages companies have made dramatic improvements with regards to sustainable phone book production, reducing the amount of directory paper used 29 percent since 2006. Directories today are printed on paper that is either recycled or made from leftover woodchips from the lumber industry so no new trees are necessary to make directory paper. Publishers have also turned to soy-based inks and have repaginated and redesigned their phone book layouts to minimize paper usage.
Where can I recycle phonebooks in Minnesota?
This website provides all the information you need in a one stop approach. All you need to do is type in your zip code.
How many phonebooks are distributed in Minnesota?
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, an estimated 13,000 tons of phonebooks were distributed in Minnesota in 2006, that's nearly 13 pounds per Minnesotan (based on 2005 population estimates).
Do I have to recycle my phone book?
If you don’t recycle now, you should. A 1992 Minnesota law bans the disposal of telephone directories in trash.
How can I help more Minnesotans opt out or recycle their phonebooks?
Conservation Minnesota is a private non-for-profit organization funded solely by individuals, businesses and foundations. By supporting the organization by making a secure online donation, you’ll help us educate more Minnesotan’s about conservation issues.
Why is Conservation Minnesota part of this campaign?
Because we know Minnesotans are eager to contribute through their own stewardship actions to a healthier, cleaner state. We’re excited about the opportunity to help you make your own choices about actions that protect our environment.
I have a question about the opt out procedures, who can I contact?
Questions related to the opt out procedures or the sustainability efforts of the yellow pages directories should be emailed to yellowisgreen@ypassociation.org.
How else can I make a difference?
Sign up for updates from Conservation Minnesota here.