During the next few weeks, 2009 telephone books will be delivered to our homes and offices. Old directories should not be thrown away – they should be recycled.
Last year, state government agencies generated 43 tons of recycled phone books. Especially in our challenged economy, the waste in ordering, delivering and eventually disposing of this mostly outdated resource is no longer acceptable.
The Department of Administration is doing its part to promote recycling and reduce future waste by placing fewer telephone books orders for state agencies. DOA also is working with vendors to reduce delivery of multiple or unneeded directories.
Most state agencies cut back their orders this year, with several reducing their request by more than 50 percent. Indeed, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ordered just two sets of hardcopy phone books, significantly reducing both current costs and future recycling needs.
State employees are strongly encouraged to use online resources to locate needed phone numbers. Numbers for many state government employees are available through http://www.ncgov.com/directory.aspx. AT&T offers its Real Pages directory at http://www.realpageslive.com/. Popular search engines also provide useful contact information.
Wake County Government formerly provided receptacles for the collection of old telephone books in the downtown area. This year, with the reduction in budget, this service will not be provided. As such, state agencies must assist with the collection and recycling of telephone books.
In Wake County, Convenience Centers are accepting old telephone books for recycling at no cost. To locate a convenience center in your county, check the Wake County Government website at http://www.wakegov.com/recycling/residents/recycle/telephonebook.htm.
For information about other recycling services available, visit the Facility Management website at http://www.ncfacilitymanagement.net/recycleprog.htm or contact Patricia Scurlock at 919-733-3855.