Can I burn old books in my fireplace?

I have 20 year old text books that no one would want. Rather than throw them away I thught I might burn them. Will it be safe or have any adverse effect on my flue?

Can I burn old books in my fireplace?
Just to counter some of the above comments: if it's a poor condition, 20-year old out of date textbook, then your library really doesn't want it. When I worked in a library several years ago, probably half of the trash we threw away was useless old books that people had "donated" and that we couldn't do anything with because they were outdated and in poor condition. If it's a book that you can't imagine anyone wanting, then your library would probably agree with you.





As to your actual question: I wouldn't recommend it. Books aren't designed to be burned, and some of the chemicals in the ink, paper, or glue may be unhealthy if burned or leave excessive ash or residue in your chimney.
Reply:Watch the Farenheit movie about book burning, then donate them to a library.
Reply:Yes donate to the loacal libary. They would almost accept 40 year old books..
Reply:Go ahead ADOLF. Burn the books. Or maybe you could donate them to you're local library.
Reply:There is no reason why you couldn't burn them, but there can be other uses. If a library doesn't want them, at least put them in the recycling bin. Do not throw them in the garbage.
Reply:Whether or not it is harzardous, you should never burn books or throw them away. If nobody you know will take them, please give them to a local library, charity, or hospital. Also, you can sell it, but it is actually more heartful when you donate it. But if you really do want to sell it, old books in good condition usually sell very well. That is if it is not an old encyclopedia-type of book, because the information is probably very outdated then.
Reply:Theres always someone somewhere that would like to have these books, if not try a bookshop, give it away free! or pass the word around. Somebody might benefit from it.. I had some books that were used by my father, the YMCA gladly accepted it, with a big "thank you' and even volunteered to print my name on it as a donor. If all this fails then simply burn it , one book at a time.Don't start a bonfire that may damage your home, or anger your neighbours.
Reply:Sure, you can. The inks and glues used should have no adverse effect on you, if that is your concern.
Reply:Well to tell you the truth it is pretty messy a friend of mine burned a crapload of encyclopedias in a bonfire and the amount of ash produced was enormous. Probably isnt very good for the environment some really old books may containe chemicals even lead. As far as your flu goes it burning books on a single occasion isnt going to do much but burning paper in your fireplace (unless its a woodstove) will create a lot of soot and creosate so just burn a creosat log after burning your books and it should be good. You could also just leave them in front of your house for recycling. Paper books are worthless (e-books are the way to go) anyways so don't worry about everyone else telling you to donate your books chances are the library doesnt want them anyways unless you are in a third world country.
Reply:Don't burn them!! Give them to libraries or something or sell them on eBay!
Reply:The ink could be toxic in smoke
Reply:Please donate them to a local library
Reply:Try donating them to a library or to an agency which helps kids in trouble. Your trash may be someone else's treasure.