phone booksPhone books pile up outside a residence in Seattle.Photo: Ed KohlerPhone book litter has been banned in Seattle, Washington. That means no more bulky yellow books in plastic bags on people’s doorsteps, unless they want the directories delivered.

The ban was passed by the Seattle City Council. The ordinance creates an opt-out system for city residents and requires directory publishers to pay the cost of recycling phone books in the city. Score one for the trees.

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When was the last time you picked up a phone book rather than using something like Google or a Yellow Pages app? Maybe it’s just me, but it’s been a while. Phone books are good to use as booster seats for short folks, maybe, and for demonstrating strength by ripping one in half. But they’re pretty much a waste these days. Especially when you receive two competing phone books.

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