ANSWERS: 1
  • More than 375 million printer cartridges are discarded every year, according to inkguides.com. Many of these cartridges could have been recycled, avoiding possible environmental damage from putting them into landfills. Also money might have been saved by reusing the cartridges, which would be cheaper than producing new ones. Fortunately there are a number of methods to recycle these cartridges, resulting in cost savings and less strain on the environment.

    Toner Cartridges

    Toner cartridges are the replaceable component of a laser printer. The toner itself is a mixture of plastic particles that produces images on paper. Toner can create higher-quality images than ink and is more expensive to replace. As of December 2009 buying an OED (original equipment manufacturer) toner cartridge could cost $60 or more. However if you purchase a cartridge that has been recycled and refilled with toner, the price will probably be much less, perhaps 30 percent to 50 percent cheaper. So there is a significant financial advantage to recycling. Perhaps the easiest way to recycle your toner cartridge is go to your local retailer and ask if he accepts used cartridges in exchange for a discount on a new cartridge. Many stores that sell OEM cartridges offer this service.

    Recycling Companies And Donation

    Certain companies will buy your used toner cartridges. The payment is relatively low and depends on the printer brand and the cartridge model. Most companies will buy back only OEM cartridges that have never been refilled. Though some recyclers may take cartridges that have been used more than once, they typically accept only a few models. Only cartridges in good working condition are generally accepted by these companies, so carefully inspect any cartridge before sending it in for recycling. The case should not have any cracks and no parts should be missing. Usually the recyclers will offer free shipping and provide free packing materials. Another way to recycle toner cartridges is to send them back to the original manufacturer as each has their own recycling program. Although you will not be compensated if you us this method, you will still be helping the environment and keeping replacement costs down. You can also donate your used OEM toner cartridges to organizations, such as Seasons Centre and Recycle for Soldiers, that will sell them and use the proceeds for a charitable purpose. Whatever method you choose, you have performed an important service to the community when you recycle your toner cartridges.

    Source:

    inkguides.com: Why recycle printer cartridges?

    green.ca.gov: Office Machines--Toner and Inkjet Cartridges

    inguides.com: What Cartridges are Accepted

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy