How to Recycle Laser and Ink-Jet Printer Cartridges

One-third of businesses nationwide use remanufactured printer cartridges. Recycling your laser and ink jet printer cartridges will reduce the amount of plastic put into landfills. Most cartridges can be recycled up to six times and are guaranteed by most manufacturers to work as well as brand-new ones.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the instructions in the box of your new laser or ink jet cartridge to find out how to recycle your old one. Many companies will provide instructions, packaging materials and free postage if you wish to recycle your old cartridge, which is then refilled and used again.

2. Contact Laser-Tone International, at (800) EARTH-58. Laser-Tone will pick up and deliver back to you, for free, laser and ink jet printer cartridges and other office products you wish to recycle and reuse.

3. Get in touch with Eco-Office, at www.eco-office.com, about recycling and purchasing used cartridges. They will provide lists of companies in your area that will purchase your used cartridge, as well as companies that will provide remanufactured ones.

4. Check out Environmental Laser, at [phone], for more information on remanufacturing your old laser printer cartridge. Environmental Laser will cross-reference your cartridge with the name of the new one that it will become once it is remanufactured, comparing the differences, if any, between the two.

5. Call the International Cartridge Recycling Association, at [phone], for more information on recycling your cartridge.