Thank you for visiting Recycle Dex. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about recycling options, information on Dex's ongoing commitment to environmentally-friendly practices for our products, and other ways Dex is supporting communities through recycling.
Why should I recycle my outdated Dex Published Directory?
By recycling outdated directories you support the use of waste material into the making of useful consumer products such as cellulose insulation, packaging, fruit shipping trays and even your next phone directory.
Where do collected books go?
The most common places outdated Dex Published Directories go to are:
- A directory paper mill we partner with that has a de-inking facility specifically designed to remanufacture old directories into recycled content directory paper.
- Recycling your outdated directory also leads to the making of other useful consumer products like fruit packing trays, natural cellulose insulation, animal bedding, packaging material and your new directory. To ensure the successful recovery of outdated directories, we maintain long standing relationships with local organizations dedicated to preserving and conserving the environment. Visit our Recycling Creates page to learn more.
Where can I recycle my directory?
Visit the search page on this site to find recycling options near you.
What is curbside recycling?
Curbside recycling is provided by your residential trash provider, recycler, or municipality. The common types are single-stream where all recyclable items go in one bin or source separated where the consumer sorts recyclables into separate bins as specified by their provider. Check with your local provider for specifics for your service.
What are some other ways Dex is supporting communities through recycling efforts?
Dex partners with many local organizations dedicated to preserving and conserving the environment. We are also a proud member of the National Recycling Coalition and numerous state recycling associations. A list of these partners can be found on this site.
In addition, Dex partners with GreenFiber™ - the largest producer of cellulose insulation in North America, in support of their community paper recycling program. The program helps schools, churches, housing complexes, businesses and other organizations with their paper recycling needs by looking for new and innovative ways to collect paper that is turned into insulation and by educating on the importance of recycling.
How long has Dex been recycling?
Dex has been committed to recycling efforts in the areas we serve since 1991.
How many outdated directories have you collected?
Since organized efforts began in 1991, our community partners have reported an estimated 261,115 tons of outdated directories have been collected for recycling throughout our service area.
Does Dex make a profit on recycling the books?
No. Our effort to support recycling of outdated directories is a not-for-profit community service. It is an investment in the communities we serve. Recycling not only makes good business sense, but it is also an integral part of our commitment to the environment.
What is the Dex Lifecycle?
The Dex directory lifecycle is the journey your directory follows from beginning to end. It begins with our paper source, printing and production, consumer use and ends with recycling them into new directories and other useful consumer products. Recycling is a key part of the Dex Lifecycle process and is an important way to reduce waste.
How does the lifecycle process work?
The environmentally responsible journey of a Dex Published Directory starts long before the book arrives on your doorstep, beginning with paper source, printing and production. All Dex Published Directories use paper containing 25 percent post consumer recycled materials and mill by products. Environmentally friendly soy-based inks, non toxic glues and dyes are also used whenever possible. When books become outdated, recycling turns these books into your next directory or other useful consumer products, such as cellulose (natural fiber) insulation through our GreenFiber™ partnership
What percentage of the paper is recycled?
The directories can contain up to a minimum of 25 percent to a maximum of 35 percent post-consumer (recycled) fiber. On average, about 65 percent of the paper we use is pre and post consumer waste paper.
What is post-consumer fiber?
Post-consumer fiber is recovered or recycled fiber that has been used by a consumer for its intended purpose, then successfully recovered through a waste collection or recycling program, and is once again manufactured into material to make a new product.
Why isn't the paper made with 100 recycled fiber?
Because of the high speed presses used to print our directories, virgin fiber must be added to meet the industry thinness and strength requirements. This virgin fiber used is a by product (waste) of other wood based industries such as the lumber industry.
Who is GreenFiber™?
Established in 2000, GreenFiber™ is a quality-conscious provider of cellulose (natural fiber) insulation, fire and sound products, and is the largest producer of cellulose insulation in North America. As part of Dex's ongoing commitment to environmentally-conscious practices, we partner with GreenFiber for their community paper recycling program.
