How to Recycle Printer Cartridges
May 10th, 2008 . by Bryan A. McCarty
Millions of ink jet, laser and toner cartridges are thrown away each and every month. But why? My guess is there’s a lack of knowledge when it comes to deciding, “What do I do with this empty cartridge?” And by all means, I’m at fault too.
Today I stumbled across a unique resource that has the answer to our question: www.RecyclePlace.com
How it works?
1. Register. It’s quick and free.
2. Collect empty ink jet, laser, toner and fax cartridges.
3. Return the cartridges using one of the pre-paid UPS labels sent to you after registration. Enclose a copy of the completed Cartridge Return Form.
4. A check will be sent to you.
5. Yes, Recycle Place pays you for empty cartridges.
Why recycle ink cartridges?
1. More than 3 quarts of oil are used to produce each laser cartridge.
2. The plastic used in each printer cartridge takes more than 10 centuries (that’s 1000 years) to decompose.
3. 25 million printer cartridges go to land fills each month.
4. Toner cartridge remanufacturing saves over 38,000 tons of plastic and metal from landfills.
5. Stacking 125 laser toner cartridges end-to-end equals the height of the Statue of Liberty.
wait are you guys serious!?!?!? printers haven’t even been around for a 1000 years so how would you even know!? go bush.
Great! They’ll pay 10 to 50 cents each (up to $2 for laser cartridges), but if you don’t send them enough, or the units are damaged in any way (they decide), your check is reduced $5.
I take mine to the local Office supply store, which gives $3 store credit for each one. Or I can get it refilled for about half the cost of new.