What Products Are Created From Recycled Printer Ink Cartridges

2010-02-22

Printer ink cartridges are a real threat to our environment. Because they are made of materials that are not biodegradable, a printer cartridge will be on the earth a very long time--perhaps thousands of years. What about recycling these products? Recycling helps reduce solid waste and helps to conserve energy. Many printer ink cartridge manufacturers have programs to help make recycling easy for the consumer. The manufacturer refurbishes and refills the recycled ink cartridges with printer ink and resells them for less than those that are not recycled. These ink cartridges are high in quality and not distinguishable from new brand name ink cartridges. Usually the box for a new ink cartridge has instructions for how to recycle the used ink cartridge. Some manufacturers give you packing materials and postage to help make it even easier to recycle. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

There are also companies that allow you to receive cash for empty ink cartridges. Since these companies can pay as much as $4.00 for each ink cartridge you recycle, this is a great way to do fundraising for a worthy organization. Most homes have a printer, so it is easy to ask members of your church or organization to save printer cartridges for collection. This is a relatively simple way for people to contribute to an organization that they feel is worthwhile. Check specific company websites to get a list of printer ink cartridges that each company accepts. These companies may also pay for shipping the cartridges.

While recycling ink cartridges for their original use is the most popular way the empty cartridges are used, some creative people have thought of other ways to use these objects. One company, Boxlightbox, uses their company's discarded ink cartridges to make unique lamps. These lamps range in price from $35 for a light with a single bulb to a large chandelier with a whopping $200 price tag. Other companies specialize in making a variety of products from recycled materials--including the plastic casing used in printer cartridges. One company, Weisenbach, makes pens, funnels, and spouts from recycled plastic. In addition to recycling printer ink cartridges, another way to contribute to a more environmentally friendly world is to purchase these recycled products whenever you are able to do so. With little effort, you can do your part in making the world a little greener.

Whether a person decides to recycle ink cartridges for their original use of decides to be creative and make something using the cartridges, the main thing to remember is that recycling these ink cartridges is one simple and convenient way to contribute to making the world a better place environmentally.