What do you do with your empty ink cartridges? Generally most of us throw them in the trash without giving it a second thought. These cartridges are taken, along with all other garbage, to local landfill sites and incinerators. Here they are treated the same as all other waste. The plastic which is used in their manufacture is non-biodegradable, which means that if left to decay, natural decomposition takes thousands of years. Even if these petroleum based products are burned, the resulting chemical fumes are seriously damaging to an environment struggling to cope with acute levels of pollution and the effects of global warming.
The way to reduce these toxic effects is to recycle empty ink cartridges. This will not only help to curb pollution but also reduce the high volume of landfill sites these cartridges take up. Approximately 30% of all empty ink cartridges are recycled around the world today. This leads to savings of primary resources and money. It is very easy to recycle your empty ink cartridge. There are many businesses that are willing to take your used products and pay up to $4 in return. They rebuild and refill the printer cartridges and sell them at notably lower prices compared to the original ones. An internet search reveals scores of potential recipients of your waste. Before choosing a business, make sure that your brand is on the list of cartridges they accept. If you send in something they do not allow, you will not be paid and may face a penalty. Most firms are willing to recycle cartridges manufactured by Hp, Epson, Lexmark and sharp. Some of them also have provisions to transfer your payment to charities.
A simpler but less financially rewarding solution is to send the used products back to the manufacturers. Brands like Epson and Lexmark encourage recycling by providing instructions right on the box along with free postage and packaging. The refilled cartridges provide the same yield and quality at considerably lower prices. There are plenty of options available for those who have the ability, skills and interest to do the recycling themselves.
A number of manufacturers sell recycling kits complete with instructions. They are designed to be user friendly and intended for refilling cartridges and toners. You can safely refill about a dozen times for most products, however it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. It must be noted that using recycled cartridges does not void the warranty. This is protected by law in countries such as the United States.
Recycling can be ecologically beneficial to the environment as well as being financially rewarding. Let us play our part in saving this glorious planet from the hazards of pollution.
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