Charity donation and reuse
Where to take books
Find the best recycling, take-back or collection option for books using charity donation points and reuse hubs.
Use this page to choose the best option for books using charity donation points or reuse hubs, then check the key rules before you travel.
Helpful notes for this item
- 8,705 mapped places currently match books on Binmap.
- The main place types for this item are charity donation points, reuse hubs, and collection services.
- The mapped results most often resolve through charity donation points, reuse hubs, and electrical recycling points.
- Accepted-material wording on the mapped results most often mentions Clothes and household items, Reusable donations, Clothes, and Shoes.
- 3 scheme or service pages are linked directly for this item.
Last checked: 26 Apr 2026
Sources: source pages
Coverage: 8 related schemes
Local official guidance
Books are a reuse-first item: donate clean, readable copies, then fall back to paper recycling only for books that are damp, damaged or unsaleable.
National guidance
Books are a reuse-first item: donate clean, readable copies, then fall back to paper recycling only for books that are damp, damaged or unsaleable.
Best option for where to take books
- Where to take books pages start with the item itself, then show the usual destination types, linked services and mapped examples.
- 8,705 mapped places currently match books on Binmap.
- The main place types for this item are charity donation points, reuse hubs, and collection services.
- The mapped results most often resolve through charity donation points, reuse hubs, and electrical recycling points.
What the linked sources say
- This guide starts with official and scheme guidance for books, then uses nearby results to show the closest practical drop-off or collection options.
- Useful linked schemes on this page include Recycle Now locator, BHF free furniture and electrical collection, and BHF shop donation drop-off.
- Check the linked guidance before travelling if the item has safety, retailer take-back or booking rules.
How to use this page
- Donate clean, readable books to charity shops, reuse hubs or collection routes first.
- Box or bag books so they stay dry during transport.
- If a book is mouldy, water-damaged or beyond reuse, check the local paper or recycling-centre route instead.
Common mistakes
- Wet, mouldy or pest-damaged books are usually unsuitable for donation.
Place types
- Charity donation points
- Reuse hubs
- Collection services
The live Binmap map adds filters, current-location search and directions on top of this page.