Free books now available at re3 Recycling Centres for residents and organisations
In celebration of World Book Day on 6th March, re3, the waste management partnership between Bracknell Forest, Reading, Wokingham Borough Councils, and FCC Environment, is excited to launch the re3read Book Reuse Scheme. This initiative promotes the reuse of second-hand books within the local community by providing free access to books to all while fostering literacy and supporting education.
Books are one of the most commonly donated items at the re3 Recycling Centres’ Reuse Area. Last year alone, residents dropped off an amazing 57 tonnes of books for reuse. The re3read initiative ensures that as many of these books as possible remain within the local community, offering them for free to individuals and organisations such as schools, nurseries, care homes, and libraries.
By making books available at re3 Recycling Centres, the scheme not only encourages a second life for these books through their reuse but it reduces our environmental impact. This initiative also addresses community needs by improving access to books, bridging literacy gaps, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive society.
Through the re3read scheme, residents can take books free of charge from designated bookshelves at the Recycling Centres in Longshot Lane, Bracknell, and Island Road, Reading. Additionally, local organisations, including schools, nurseries, and care homes, can apply for bundles of second-hand books to support educational activities or refresh their own libraries. This helps organisations save money while extending the lifespan of books already in circulation.
Cllr Karen Rowland, Chair of the Joint Waste Disposal Board and Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety;
Cllr Helen Purnell, Vice-Chair of the Joint Waste Disposal Board and Bracknell Forest Council’s Executive Member for the Environment and Community Cohesion and
Cllr Jordan Montgomery, Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency commented:
“We’re thrilled to launch the re3read initiative, and World Book Day is the perfect time to do so. By enabling redistribution of second-hand books at the re3 Recycling Centres, we’re not only benefiting our local communities and supporting education but also helping to reduce our carbon footprint. We’re excited to see the potential of our re3read scheme to reduce waste, promote reuse, and support the local community. We hope residents take full advantage of this opportunity to access free books and stop by our bookshelves when visiting the Recycling Centres.”
Scott Adams, re3 General Manager, FCC Environment added:
“Recycling has always been at the core of our mission, but reducing waste and reusing resources has become increasingly crucial and fortunately, it’s now a very normalised practice within our community. We’re excited to expand our efforts by adding re3read Book Reuse scheme to our reuse services. Initiatives like this, alongside Paint Reuse scheme and Reuse Pop-Up Shops, highlight the growing demand for second hand items, and it’s encouraging to see our residents actively supporting and participating in these efforts.”
The re3read scheme aligns with re3’s broader commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability. By giving books a second life, the initiative helps to counter carbon emissions that result from a book’s production. A single book can produce between 1 to 4 kg of CO₂e during its production, including paper, printing, and transportation. By redistributing 3,000 books alone, re3 can off-set approximately 2 tonnes of paper and protect 34 trees.
For more information and to apply for free books, visit the re3 website.
