Recycling Ink Cartridges: Why is Recycling Important?

Jewel Bless Cortez
CompAndSave
Published in
4 min readNov 8, 2022

Most people now have access to computers, and with those computers come a variety of print jobs that consume a significant amount of ink and toner. Some think it may be simplest to dispose of their used empty ink and toner cartridges by throwing them away, but there is a better and greener solution.

Recycling Ink Cartridges
Photo by: imagingwarehouse

Did you know that you can recycle ink and toner cartridges? Recycling ink cartridges are just as important as recycling paper and plastic. But a survey shows that only 30% of printer cartridges are recycled, meaning the other 70% are thrown away. Recycling empty ink cartridge is good for us and the environment, but most people don’t think about it very often.

So, why is recycling ink and toner cartridges important? This article discusses the importance and benefits of recycling ink and toner cartridges.

Top Reasons Why We Should Recycle Cartridges:

  • Recycling printer cartridges decrease air and water pollution caused by landfilling. Even though 97% of the materials used to create printer cartridges are recyclable, our trash has a significant impact on the environment. There are many good things about recycling, but most importantly, they don’t end up in landfills since cartridges in a landfill take thousands of years to break down, leaving behind a massive amount of carbon and ink or toner which causes air and water pollution.
  • Helps conserve energy. By recycling used ink cartridges, you can avoid the production and use of new materials in creating the items we use daily. Creating products using recycled cartridge plastic consumes 80% less energy. In effect, this may result in lower energy usage and resource consumption.
  • Save natural resources. Recycling ink cartridges and toner cartridges will help reduce the demand for non-renewable resources. Oil is needed to manufacture printer cartridges, and as we all know, oil isn’t exactly in abundant supply. That said, to save valuable metals and minerals used to create printer cartridges, we should opt to have them recycled instead.
  • Lessen the harm you cause to the environment. To reduce the amount of trash that harms the environment, we should recycle used ink cartridges rather than throw them away. Recycling is important to reduce the waste we dump in landfills since the components can add to the toxic waste produced by the industrial world.

Advantages:

  • Used cartridges can be sold for cash. Many companies will pay you for your empty cartridges. This is an excellent way for businesses, schools, and non-profits to make more money.
  • Save money. Another advantage of recycling will be the amount you will be able to save. When you recycle, using the original raw materials is no longer necessary. This will also reduce manufacturing costs, and instead of continuously buying new cartridges, you may choose reused or remanufactured cartridges.

FAQs

Why Should Cartridges Be Recycled?

Recycling ink cartridges reduces air and water pollution caused by landfills and burning. Each component of a printer cartridge may be reused to create new items. The advantages are not limited to being environmental; individuals and businesses may save significant money by purchasing remanufactured printer cartridges.

How to Recycle Cartridges?

Option 1. Take your empty ink and toner cartridges to a local recycling center: If there are no office supply stores in your area that recycle printer supplies, your next option is to find a recycling facility. Finding one is rather simple. Search for “recycling facilities near me” and use Google Maps to explore the many places in your area.

Option 2. Most original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) now offer ink recycling programs. You can check your original product’s box to see where to dispose of your cartridge or check CompAndSave’s ink and toner recycling guide.

Option 3. You can also have your empty ink cartridges refilled or refill them yourself instead of buying one. Doing this would be as easy as pie if you were refilling an original empty cartridge, have the right tools for it, and a manual with clear instructions. If you prefer this option, CompAndSave is offering a refill kit with the tools and manual included at an affordable price.

Parting Words

Recycling used printer cartridges may seem like a little step but remember that even the smallest actions may have a significant impact. Recycling your old or empty cartridges is good for you and the planet. Find a place near you where you can recycle your empty cartridges and start seeing the good you can do today. The earth will be grateful to you.

Thanks for reading! Leave a comment if you have any questions. Looking to save money on your printing projects? Check out www.compandsave.com for some great deals on printer ink and accessories! Remember to follow our blog for more interesting printing-related tips and guides.

About the Author

Jewel Cortez is a Search Engine Optimization specialist with three years of Customer Service Experience in CompAndSave. CompAndSave is a retailer and wholesaler of printing materials based in Union City, California.
Jewel has years of expertise in the ink industry and has extensive knowledge of printers, ink, toner cartridges, and photo papers which may help people better understand printers and cartridges.

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Jewel Bless Cortez
CompAndSave

SEO Specialist with Customer Service Experience at Compandsave.com Inc. With over 3 years of experience working in the printer ink industry.