Save the Planet and Recycle Toner Cartridges
There are some risks to simply throwing out toner cartridges. They are a biohazard to plants, animals and even humans. However, you have to remove these parts in order to install new ones. The only answer is toner cartridge recycle methods, and there are a few to choose from. In order to recycle all the parts of a toner cartridge, you have to make sure that it's clean and totally utilized of all ink.
1. Dropping Off Cartridges
The first step to toner cartridge recycle is to take out the toner from the machine. You can usually find some instructions on how to do this on the packaging, and some packaging even includes recycling instructions. Toner cartridges can usually be dropped off. Some places that accept used cartridges include Staples, Home Depot and Office Depot. There are typically some drop-off bins at the front of the store, but you can always talk to customer service.
2. Local Recycling Center
If you don't have a nearby drop off location or you'd rather support local recycling centers, you can find a local recycling center by looking online. These recycling centers accept all kinds of waste including printer and toner cartridges.
3. Reuse Your Toner Cartridges
Many toner cartridges today can be refilled and reused, so you don't have to continuously discard and purchase new toner cartridges. However, you do still have to purchase the toner to go in those cartridges. There are a few different retailers out there that have remanufactured and recycled toner cartridges that an be refilled. This cuts down on waste and makes it easier to keep hazardous products out of the environment.
4. Take Back Programs
Most manufacturers for toner cartridges also have take back programs where you can mail back your toner cartridges or drop them off at a store. Canon, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Lexmark all have these programs and list the information for how to send the used toner cartridges on their websites. These take-back programs are typically free and also provide shipping and handling so it doesn't cost you anything to send the cartridges.
Recycling toner cartridges is one of the things that businesses and individuals can take part in to help save the environment and cut down on industrial waste.