Ways To Minimize The Environmental Impact Of Printer Ink Cartridges

2010-11-18

If you are looking for a great way to make a positive change and help the environment, you don't have to look any further than your office printer. Printer ink cartridges are often discarded irresponsibly. There are a few simple things you can do to help minimize the environmental impact of your disposed printer ink cartridges. Each time a printer ink cartridge is thrown in the trash, it is left to sit in a landfill somewhere. However, by being more mindful about responsibly purchasing and discarding your ink cartridges, you can help prevent this.

One way to help lower the environmental impact of printer ink cartridges is to reuse your existing cartridges. Depending on the brand and type of ink cartridge you have, you can successfully reuse them up to three times or more. Instead of purchasing a new cartridge after the original one runs out, you can purchase an ink refill kit and use the old cartridge again. It is important to refill the cartridge immediately after it has emptied so it does not clog. But if done properly, a refilled ink cartridge can be given new life time and time again. Refill kits can be purchased at retail locations or online and many of these locations also offer to do the refill for you so you do not have to hassle with it.

If you prefer not to reuse your printer ink cartridges, another responsible thing you can do is recycle them rather than throwing them in the regular waste bin. Many companies and charities offer printer ink cartridge recycling programs where you can mail in your cartridge or drop it off at a nearby location. Most new ink cartridges even come packaged with a prepaid envelope and instructions for mailing the empty cartridge back to be recycled by the manufacturer. By taking the time to use any of these free convenient options, you can help reduce the negative impact discarded cartridges have on the environment.

Another way to help conserve waste from printer ink cartridges is to purchase refurbished cartridges. These are ink cartridges that have been recycled by different manufacturers. Refurbished cartridges have been cleaned, repaired if necessary, and refilled. They generally have to pass testing and quality standards and good refurbished cartridges work just as well as a brand new cartridge. By purchasing a refurbished cartridge, you extend its life and ultimately reduce waste.

So, help put an end to unnecessary waste and choose to buy and discard printer ink cartridges responsibly. By purchasing refilled and refurbished cartridges, and by recycling new cartridges, you can help reduce the negative impact discarded printer ink cartridges have on the environment.