Donate your used textbooks to your local library. The library will most likely accept them and offer them for low prices at a book sale.
Sell or trade your old textbooks to a bookstore. Usually, secondhand bookstores will gladly accept your textbooks. Even large chain bookstores, such as Barnes and Noble, may accept them to sell to students at lower prices.
Sell or trade your used textbooks to your college's bookstore. Make sure to do this immediately after your semester, when you no longer need the books. Most college bookstores will take your books and pay you at least half of what you paid for them.
Donate your textbooks via the Freecycle Network. This is an online organization that allows you to donate items for free to individuals in your local area. When you connect with someone who wants your items, you should make plans with them so that they can take them.
Donate your old textbooks to local elementary, middle and high schools. This is appropriate to do if you have any old K-12 books you can stand to part with.
Sell your used textbooks online. Create an advertisement on CraigsList.org to gain potential buyers. College textbooks in particular will draw in customers.
Recycle your old textbooks if you are unable to sell or give them away. Check Earth 911 online to find out where in your area you can recycle the books. Enter your zip code and click on "Book Recycling."