How to Recycle Compatible Used Ink Cartridges
Most computer users who have a printer will go through several ink cartridges a year. This equates to millions of cartridges deposited in local dumps, and because of the plastic inside of the cartridge it will not decompose for thousands upon thousands of years. A better way to do away with your used ink cartridges is to recycle them, either through a local business or a company online.
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Instructions
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In Store
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Place the old ink cartridge inside the box of the brand-new cartridge you placed into your computer. If you already discarded it or can't find it, then wrap it up in newspaper. You don't want the few remaining drops of ink inside the cartridge to spill out and your clothing or whatever else it touches.
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Go to a local office supply store. Office Max, Office Depot and Staples are just a few of the many stores that will take and recycle your used ink cartridges. You can go any day of the week, as long as the store is open.
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Ask if the store needs you to remove the newspaper or box that contains the ink cartridge. Every store has a slightly different store policy (this includes different stores in the same chain).
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Deposit it into the appropriate bin. They are normally at the front of the store by the entrance door. At Staples, if you take your recycled ink cartridge up to the register you will receive $3 back in "Staples Rewards." These rewards can be used toward items in the store. For more details, visit the Staples link in the "Resources" section.
Online
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Visit the Recycleplace.com website (a link is included in "Resources). The website specializes in recycling used ink cartridges, laser toners and cell phones and will pay for them.
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Sign up for an account through the website. It is free to do and only takes a minute. The site will mail you a prepaid return envelope for your ink cartridge.
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Remove your used ink cartridge from the printer and deposit it into the return envelope (make sure it is wrapped in newspaper or something to keep the excess ink from spilling).
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Wait for the company to receive your package and your account will be credited.
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