Correct.
Not that long ago, whenever new phone books came out, the Arizona Daily Star would print a list of places where readers could take their old phone books for recycling.
We may not use paper phone books much longer, but they are still a reality, so when you have one you no longer use, recycle it. And yes, you can put it right in your bin, barrel or recycling dumpster, cover and all.
A reader asked about other paperback books and hardback books. A much better choice would be to donate them to the Pima County Library. If the library doesn't need them, the Friends of the Pima County Library will sell them in one of their fundraisers.
Another reader asked about old textbooks that no one would want. They wouldn't be recyclable, but if you are highly motivated, you could tear out the pages and recycle them.