It’s that time again – but it’s no longer just a good idea: State agencies are now required to recycle telephone books and not dump them into the trash.
Old telephone books cannot be placed in recycling containers with magazines, newspapers, books or other material. Due to their content, they must be recycled in a separate container.
In collaboration with the City of Raleigh, a large white container has been parked behind the Administration Building, near the intersection of Lane and McDowell streets. Designated as an official telephone book drop-off location, it will remain there though May 1.
Two years ago, state government agencies generated 43 tons of recycled phone books. Last year, by cutting back on orders, we reduced that total to less than 10 tons. That’s a significant improvement, but the continued waste in ordering, delivering and eventually paying to dispose of this mostly outdated resource must stop.
State employees with internet access 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.
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.