Some really interesting feedback folks, thanks.
The issue I have is that with these being apparently worthless as a number of you have experienced I don't exactly want to compound the "loss" by spending vast amounts of time trotting around London trying to find someone who will take them. Secondhand bookshops seem to be in short supply, and whether they have any interest in these mainstream books I have no idea. Giving away to a charity or nursing home or whatever is fine provided someone can name point out a place that would take them - can there be anything more embarassing than a conversation about offering a donation where it isn't actually wanted
.
Hence on the off chance there were any "locals" on this forum who spotted this thread who might know a solution here.
The giving away to friends thing is fine - if they live local which mine don't. Not sure I want to expose my work colleagues to my reading tastes even if I could be bothered lugging in 300+ books on the tube over many months.
Worst case I see there is a recycling website that I googled where they will even come pick them up. It seems such a waste but better than landfill.
It was interesting pulling them all out tonight to count them up - most have been boxed up for years and so many I could not remember reading in the slightest (a few dupes as well). All those nice shiny covers, sigh. Must not get sentimental...