Environmental Problems:
The ink and toner used in cartridges are classed as a hazardous material, (As they are carcinogens and can disrupt hormonal activity) they are dangerous to human health and the environment.
The plastic that is used to create the outside of the printer cartridge may contain dioxins and other chemicals that are dangerous to human health.
As such a printer cartridge needs to be disposed of correctly to avoid the environmental and health implications of failing to do so.
To correctly dispose of any cartridges, you should contact a local recycling facility and ask if they recycle printer cartridges. You could also contact the local council and ask them for local collection points.
Laser Cartridges:
In order to recycle laser cartridges they are taken apart and then re-manufactured. Replacing broken parts and refilling them with toner and ink.
Remanufactured laser cartridges usually cost around a third of the price of an original cartridge. Meaning you can save money by buying reused cartridges and help the environment.
Re-manufacturing one laser cartridges can save a litre of oil and help prevent material going to landfill sites.
Inkjet Cartridges:
Many companies will pay a small amount for used ink cartridges, and many charities collect cartridges as a means of fundraising for a variety of projects.
The collected ink cartridges are cleaned, refilled with ink and any broken parts replaced, then they are sold on to be reused.
Refilled/Compatible Cartridges:
Unfortunately, at present there is not much opportunity for recycling refilled or compatible cartridges. Contact the manufacturer to check whether they will recycle or refill these.
Where to Recycle:
Cartridges4Charity.co.uk
Cartridges4Charity.co.uk is a UK-wide service that recycles printer cartridges and mobile phones for the benefit of 3 charities. It’s really straightforward: after quickly checking if your cartridges or phones are recyclable, you can send straight away by handwriting or printing off a Freepost label. And, if they can’t take your particular cartridges (no scheme will take all cartridges) they will help you to find another free recycling service you can use instead.
With this, you could both be helping each other in their aim to spread awareness with regards to the importance of becoming environmentally responsible, and at the same time, they are also helping their partner charities with the money that they will be able to collect.
Against Breast Cancer
Against Breast Cancer raise money for vital research through their many recycling schemes.
Along with bras, Against Breast Cancer also recycle mobile phones, printer cartridges and clothes, as well as running a tree planting scheme.
For information about their recycling schemes, click here.