Facts About Recycling Inkjet Cartridges

Ink cartridge recycling is more widespread than ever before. New recycling programs have made it easier to recycle cartridges and, in some cases, get money back for recycling them.

History

Recycling has climbed dramatically in the last 10 years. The Print Company Recycling Program reports that currently as much as 28 percent of waste produced by Americans is recycled. Ink cartridges are no different. Because ink cartridges are "disposable," they are often just thrown away without any thought to recycling. Office-supply companies like OfficeMax, Office Depot, and Staples have made efforts to encourage cartridge-recycling programs.

Significance

Since nearly all electronics contain components that are either valuable or not good for landfills, vast recycling programs are in place for all computer parts. Millions of ink cartridges are used every year, and many, if not most, end up in a landfill. If they were all to be recycled, the cost would go down for new cartridges and damage to the environment would be reduced.

Types

Many programs offer cash to recycle ink cartridges, but only for certain types. Many new cartridges will come with a bag that allows the buyer to send the cartridge being replaced back to the manufacturer for no charge. Other recycling companies will take cartridges for money, but are more specific about the types of cartridges they accept.

Laser toner cartridges in particular are difficult for many companies to recycle.

Benefits

Starting in 2007, Staples, OfficeMax and Office Depot began to offer $3 in-store credit for each qualifying cartridge. The cartridges that qualify for in-store credit at these locations are HP, Dell and Epson, but the stores will accept and recycle any cartridge.

Considerations

In addition to recycling programs, many products allow you to "refill" an ink cartridge with a kit. The kits work only on certain types of ink cartridges, and some technical prowess is required.

References

• Staples
• Recycling Facts