How to Recycle Old Printer Cartridges

Recycle your printer cartridges to help the environment.

Recycling old printer cartridges can help the environment because they will not be thrown into a landfill. A printer cartridge can take 450 to 1,000 years to decompose, and the left over ink can pollute the soil. About 97 percent of the materials used in printer cartridges can be recycled, but 70 percent of all printer cartridges go to landfills. By recycling your printer cartridges, you will save money and help the environment.

Instructions

1. Buy an at-home refill kit and refill your old printer cartridges. Follow the instructions on the refill kit carefully to avoid damaging the printer cartridges.

2. Send your old printer cartridges to their manufacture. Contact the manufacturer and ask it to send you a pre-paid envelope. The manufacturer will take your old printer cartridges and reuse all the parts that are not damaged to make remanufactured cartridges. Damaged parts will be broken down to their original materials and reused.

3. Take your cartridges to a local store that sells ink cartridges. Many stores will accept old printer cartridges, and they will offer you a discount or a coupon for a new cartridge. Other locations may offer a small monetary compensation.

References

• Ink Guides: Cartridge Recycling
• Castle Ink: How to Recycle Empty Ink Cartridges
• Staples: Recycling