How to Properly Dispose of Fax Ink Cartridges

When your fax ink runs out, you don't have to throw away the ink cartridge. Recycling is often available, which is the environmentally friendly and cost-saving approach. Ink cartridges can often be refilled multiple times. Follow these simple steps to properly dispose of fax ink cartridges.

Instructions

1. Ask your local office-supply stores if they recycle ink cartridges. If they do, they may offer you a discount on a new ink cartridge just for bringing in an old one that they can recycle.

2. Look in your phone book or online to see if there is a store that refills ink cartridges in your area. You can purchase a refilled cartridge for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

3. Ask your local school, church or other charitable organization if they recycle used inkjet cartridges. They then can return the old ink cartridges to the manufacturer for money or credit on office supplies for their organization.

4. Dispose of it properly. If no recycling or refilling options are available in your area, then dispose of the used cartridge in the garbage, placing it first in the overwrap and box from the new ink cartridge you just installed.

Tips & Warnings

• If your choice is to refill your cartridge, find a reputable refill store. If cartridges are not refilled properly, one of the colors could not work properly or the ink could run out a lot faster than in a new cartridge.

• Make sure the old ink cartridge is wrapped before disposing of it. A little bit of ink will be left on the cartridge's copper connectors, which could get onto other things.

• When removing a cartridge to be refilled, don't touch the copper connectors or you may damage the cartridge and cause it to misfunction.