How to Recycle Ink and Toner Cartridges
Millions of empty printer toner cartridges and inkjet cartridges are improperly discarded every year. These cartridges are usually thrown out with peoples’ trash, which eventually leads to the landfills. Choosing to recycle printer cartridges instead of discarding them is wise for the environment and helps prevent excessive waste. In addition, recycling empty cartridges allows reuse of up to six times, while producing the same quality prints as a new cartridge.
Over 375 million dispensed toner and ink cartridges in the United States are trashed every year without recycling. That is the same as discarding 33 ink cartridges every three seconds. Although manufacturers encourage people to return their cartridges with various incentives (including money), more than 50% of used ink and toner cartridges are thrown away. Since ink manufacturers are usually faced with increasing the production of ink due to high consumer demand, old printer cartridges should be recycled regularly.
All inkjet cartridges and toner cartridges contain details on how to recycle them once the ink is gone. Many manufacturers also include prepaid packaging for the expired cartridges as well as instructions on how to properly mail them in. Many websites exist that allow searching for recycling options from several different companies. Many third parties allow sending old cartridges to them for cash reimbursement or money saving ink coupons for future purchases. Typing “recycle printer cartridges” into your search engine of choice will help narrow down companies to recycle cartridges with ease.
Companies also exist that specialize in providing cash for old ink and toner cartridges, as well as other items that are harmful to the environment. Many of these companies send large amounts of fliers and brochures, for the purpose of spreading awareness of recycling. They show how the chemicals in ink harm our environment when they are sent to landfills, while listing alternatives. Many of these companies will physically pickup recyclables, have a designated spot for pickup, and also provide boxes and packaging material for the cartridges.
Recycling used ink and toner cartridges has never been more convenient and environmentally friendly than the present time. For more information on recycling printer cartridges, please check out this video on Youtube.