| Not
too many people would argue against the proposition that throwing
your ink or toner cartridges in the garbage -- not to mention
your printer or scanner -- is bad for the environment. But
what are the alternatives?
Many of the major manufacturers offer recycling
programs in which users can return empty cartridges. The used
cartridges are separated into their separate materials and
then either recycled or disposed of.
Some companies also recycle hardware, such
as discarded printers. However, unlike cartridge recycling,
these can involve a cost to the consumer for shipping and
handling.
Canon Recycling Programs:
* Printer Cartridges:
Canon offers instructions on its Web site to return single,
multiple, and bulk cartridges using labels for prepaid shipping.
Instructions are included for the U.S. and
Puerto Rico, for Canada, and for outside North America.
* Hardware:
Consumers are offered a link to the EPA's Resource Conversation
Challenge page, which has links to state-wide collection events
(when we clicked on about 10 states, we found no events scheduled),
and a few outside recycling companies and organizations.
Epson Recycling Programs:
* Hardware:
Printers and scanners can be returned for recycling for $10
per item (Epson says it will send a $5 coupon for online purchases
at the Epson Store).
Hewlett-Packard Recycling Programs:
* Inkjet Cartridges:
Up to two cartridges can be returned in postage-paid envelopes.
Businesses can return larger volumes of cartridges via postage-paid
bulk collection boxes.
* LaserJet Cartridges:
Cartridge boxes should contain packaging instructions and
prepaid shipping label, or labels can be found online. There
are also online instructions on returning up to eight cartridges,
or you can order postage-paid bulk collection boxes.
* Hardware:
Printers and scanners can be returned for recycling within
the continental U.S. for $13-$34 per item. Other rates are
available for large quantity (over 10) items, and for orders
from Alaska and Hawaii.
Lexmark Recycling Programs:
* Toner/Ink Cartridges:
Lexmark provides instructions and shipping labels on its Web
site for free return of toner and inkjet cartridges. Cartridges
can also be returned through participating resellers.
Hardware:
The Lexmark Equipment Collection Program allows customers
to return any end-of-life Lexmark-branded product free of
charge (the customer pays for the shipping). There are online
instructions on where to send your printer.
Xerox Recycling Programs:
* Cartridges:
Xerox offers instructions on its site for returns from U.S.
and Canadian customers, with prepaid labels for specific devices
(some devices have cartridges which cannot be recycled, and
aren't included in the program).
Printer
Ink Cartridges - The History |
Printer
Ink Cartridges - Easier And Convenient |
Recycling
Cartridges and Machines |
Why
Do Ink Cartridges Cost So Much? |
Determining
if Your Printer Uses Toner Cartridges |
Inkjet
Cartridges |
