The Berry Company and Boy Scouts Launch Annual Phone Book Recycling Drive
In May 2013, The Berry Company joined forces with Boy Scouts of America to kick off their annual phone book recycling drive. This community-focused initiative encouraged residents across multiple states to recycle outdated phone books. That’s rather than throwing them in the trash.
With the rise of digital directories, printed phone books were already in decline. Yet millions still ended up in landfills each year. The Berry Company, a leading local directory publisher, recognized the environmental toll and responded by launching this recycling campaign with help from the Boy Scouts.
Scouting for a Greener Community
Boy Scout troops in participating states collected outdated phone books from neighborhoods and drop-off sites. In exchange for their efforts, troops received donations from The Berry Company based essentially on the number of books collected. This more notably gave Scouts a chance to earn funding for their programs. All the while supporting a real-world sustainability effort.
The campaign served a dual purpose: keeping waste out of landfills and also helping young people take action on behalf of the environment. For many Scouts, it was their first direct experience with environmental stewardship.
Regional Reach, Local Impact: The Berry Company
The drive took place in communities across several states where The Berry Company distributed directories, including Ohio, New York, Kentucky, and also Tennessee. Local collection events were often paired with Earth Day activities or community clean-up days. This gave residents a convenient way to recycle large volumes of paper—and raised awareness about reducing waste.
Each ton of recycled paper saves nearly 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and over 400 kilowatts of electricity. When scaled up to community-wide participation, the numbers quickly added up. The program’s measurable impact offered a clear reminder that small actions can yield big environmental results.
A Shift in Mindset
The effort wasn’t just about recycling old phone books—it was about encouraging a broader shift. The campaign also reminded residents to think twice before throwing printed materials in the trash. It also highlighted the importance of reducing paper usage in the first place, especially as digital tools become more accessible.
For The Berry Company, the campaign reinforced its commitment to more sustainable publishing practices. The company continued to look for ways to reduce its environmental footprint by using recycled paper, limiting print runs, and encouraging customers to opt out of print directories when possible.
Conclusion
This annual recycling drive turned a once-common item—the phone book—into a tool for change. Through their partnership, The Berry Company and Boy Scouts of America empowered communities to act locally and also protect the planet. It was finally a simple yet effective reminder that even everyday waste can be an opportunity for action.
