Millions of empty toner and inkjet cartridges are thrown into the trash every year, ending up in landfills or incinerators on our planet. Recycling these empty cartridges is easy, profitable and beneficial for the environment, helps reduce solid waste and conserves the raw materials and energy needed to produce a new item. Most cartridges can be recycled up to 6 times; it is remanufactured, refilled and then resold to consumers at a lower price than brand name cartridges. Recycled cartridges produce the same quality and quantity of prints as new cartridges. This article explores the different options available to properly dispose of used ink cartridges and toners from laser printers. Keep reading.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Donate them to charitable associations
Consider donating used cartridges and toners to charities. Do an online search to find references in your area.
Method 2 of 3: Return them to the Store where you purchased them
Step 1. Before buying them, find a store (online or near you) that will accept to pick up empty cartridges and toners
Step 2. Find out if they can offer you vouchers, return cash, or reward you for your returns
Step 3. Ask the store what they will do with the empty cartridges
Do they recharge them? Do they regenerate them? If they do both, it would be the best solution ever.
Step 4. If the store is online or otherwise not in your area, ask for a prepaid envelope or a carrier's references from anyone who accepts or purchases the empty cartridges
Never pay to ship your empties to those who recycle them!
Step 5. When you have received your new inkjet or laser printer cartridge, read the instructions on the package to find out how to recycle the used one
Many companies provide instructions along with packing materials and free shipping if you want to recycle your old cartridge.
Step 6. Empty cartridges should be shipped in the plastic bag only
While many manufacturers should know this and get one of these already, be sure to put the cartridge in a resealable plastic bag if they don't give it to you. The cartridge inevitably leaks ink during shipment and this could prevent delivery.
Step 7. To ship empty toner cartridges you must reuse its old packaging to ensure that the cartridge is not damaged in transit
Method 3 of 3: Sell them for cash
Step 1. Search the internet for organizations that buy used cartridges
Many sites offer free shipping or prepaid pickups of used cartridges, and some pay as little as 3-4 euros per cartridge.
- Some recycling company sites offer the option to take money for empty cartridges, or offer you the option to donate the proceeds to a charity of your choice.
- Each site lists a list of the printer cartridges it accepts. Be sure to check this list before sending your blanks, because everyone only pays for the cartridges they can pick up; some may even charge you a penalty for cartridges they don't accept. Some recycling organizations may also offer new recycled cartridges and recyclable consumables at heavily discounted prices for school, office, or personal use.
- However, some companies accept all cartridges you send them. If they're not on their list they won't pay you for them, but at least you're sure they're recycled and won't be thrown in a landfill.
- Connect to the ARPA website, the Ministry of the Environment or Ecorecuperi and do the appropriate research to see who can buy and sell used cartridges and toners.
Advice
- You don't have to limit yourself to the thought of the reward for returning empty cartridges. Go further and make sure that the company carries out proper disposal of returns. Are you interested in whether or not they end up in a landfill?
- Don't be afraid to ask for cash or rewards for empty cartridges. Empties can be very valuable and you should be rewarded for their return.
- While original equipment manufacturers like HP, Lexmark, Epson, Dell, etc. accept cartridges to remanufacture toner overseas, consider looking to a local company for an even more environmentally friendly alternative. Manufacturers do not regularly offer prizes or money and do not make any charitable donations in your name. Plus, if you recycle locally, you support local production and reuse by reducing carbon consumption.
- Recycling used cartridges can also be useful for fundraising for schools, parish groups, associations, sports teams and other non-profit organizations. It can also be a significant cost saving for businesses.
- Large office supply companies offer rewards for some, but not all, cartridges. Check out their specific rewards programs and offers for the return of empty.
- Even if the cartridge is of no value, do not throw it in the trash. Consider sending it to a company that recycles it anyway.
- Sending empties to a certified electronic recycling company during an electronic material recovery event is also a viable alternative, although you should inquire about everything that is disposed of, not just empty cartridges.
