QwestDex reports that an estimated 32,830 Kitsap County residents turned in their old phone directories for recycling this year, returning about 25 percent of the old books, amounting to approximately 58 tons.

Qwest has recycled nearly 172,364 tons of outdated phone books since 1991. The old books were either shipped to a paper mill in the Pacific Northwest and recycled into directory-grade paper for new phone books or recycled into cellulose insulation, packaging materials and other products.

For information about where to recycle your books call (360) 692-8183 and type in “BOOK” (2665).

For more recycling and solid waste information see the new Kitsap County Recycling and Garbage Guide section behind the community pages in the front to the new QwestDex Kitsap or Bainbridge Directory.