Why Recycle Toner Cartridges?

There is nothing more frustrating than when you’re ready to print a document and your monitor displays that pesky little message, “Need Toner Cartridge Replacement.” In a fit of frustration, it can be easy to brusquely remove the offending empty cartridges and toss them into the trash.

HALT!

Resist the urge and instead, consider the difference it makes when you recycle toner cartridges.

Modern cartridges are pretty small, so it might not seem like a big deal to add two more of them into an overflowing trash bin. However, the seemingly small difference you make [tp lang=”en” only=”y”]when you recycle toner cartridges, it’s bigger than you might think[/tp][tp not_in=”en”]when you recycle toner cartridges, it’s bigger than you might think[/tp].

5 Reasons to Recycle Toner Cartridges

1. Toxic Waste.
The convenience of printing comes with a price; toxic chemicals are used in the production of plastics and inks that comprise toner cartridges. In fact, toner cartridges are classified as “hazardous waste” which means they pollute water, wildlife, and the groundwater and soils beneath landfills.

2. Save the Landfills.
Toner cartridges are not biodegradable and take hundreds of years to be broken down by the elements and other forces. It’s estimated that about half of all used toner cartridges in the US are disposed of via the trash – rather than recycled – comprising as much as 42,000 tons of refuse each year. Only about 30% of toner cartridges are currently being recycled worldwide.

3. Fossil Fuels.
It takes fossil fuels to make plastic as well as ink. Approximately three quarts of oil are used to produce one toner cartridge – and most cartridges can be re-used three to four times. Properly recycling one ink cartridge can save about two gallons of oil. Multiply that by the millions of cartridges used each year and the reduction in petroleum products is dramatic.

4. Save Money.
If you recycle toner cartridges you are more inclined to purchase recycled toner cartridges. On average, a recycled cartridge will save you as much as 30%. Take that information and your accountant – whether business or personal – will be voting for a “recycled toner cartridge only!” policy at your home or business. Make sure to take an extra peek next time you purchase a toner cartridge – many manufacturers include a pre-paid shipping package so you can mail them back at no extra cost.

5. Give Money.
There are countless programs which recycle toner cartridges and donate proceeds to charity. You can check with local schools, businesses, YMCAs, or your local office supply company. In fact, many of the major office supply companies will give you point or dollar credits for your recycled toner cartridges, in addition to donating those proceeds to charity. Your points and/or credits can be cashed in for greater savings later on.

Next time you get the frustrating message that your toner cartridge(s) need to be replaced, try to resist the urge to spike the cartridges into the trash bin. Instead, take a deep breath, prepare to recycle the toner cartridges, and know that you have done your part to make the world a slightly better place.