If you want to dispose of printer cartridges, don't just throw them in the trash. If you do this anyway, you can be penalized for it. In this article we explain where you can correctly dispose of empty printer cartridges. If you want to know how to remove printer ink from hands check this post.
Dispose of printer cartridges - how to dispose of them correctly
If your printer cartridge should be empty after printing, then you have to make sure that you dispose of it properly. However, cartridges cannot simply be thrown away; there are various aspects to consider when disposing of them.
An empty printer cartridge must not be disposed of in normal household waste or in the residual waste. The cartridge contains fine dust, which can be harmful to the environment if the cartridge is disposed of carelessly. If you don't follow this rule, you could be fined.
The empty cartridge does not necessarily have to be thrown away. You can find out what you can do with it instead in the second section.
If you decide to dispose of it, it is best to take the cartridge to the nearest recycling center. The cartridge counts as electronic waste, so it is disposed of together with other electronic devices.
Return empty cartridges to the manufacturer or to refillers
Empty printer cartridges can even bring you money. Instead of throwing them away, you can drop them off at certain companies who will reward you for the cartridges. Alternatively, many manufacturers also take back your empty cartridges.
Various manufacturers of printer cartridges have a take-back program where you can return original printer cartridges. Third-party cartridges are not accepted. You will receive a free shipping label to send the cartridges in the mail.
It is best to ask the manufacturer directly whether this return is offered and what conditions are associated with it.
There is also the option of selling empty printer cartridges. So-called refill companies buy cartridges and refill them, so they are recycled.
In some cases, these companies also cooperate with electronics stores. Customers can hand in the cartridges in the stores and they will be forwarded to the refillers.
Dispose of printer cartridges: The most important things in brief
There are two types of printer cartridges: ink cartridges and toner cartridges. Ink cartridges contain liquid, toner cartridges are filled with powder.
You must not dispose of printer cartridges with household waste. This is forbidden by law!
Instead, take them to a recycling center, electronics store, or mail them to the manufacturer or a refill company.
You even get money back for some cartridges: There are companies that will pay you up to 13 euros per empty cartridge.
Ink cartridges and toner cartridges: These are the differences
There are inkjet printers and laser beam printers. One printer works with ink cartridges, laser printers use toner cartridges. But what is the difference between the two printing processes? The name already gives it away: Ink cartridges contain liquid ink. A toner, on the other hand, prints with the help of very fine powder. In the price comparison, the ink cartridges perform better: an ink cartridge for the printer costs around 30 euros on average, while an original toner cartridge costs up to 150 euros. However, toners make up for their high price with their long service life: They use significantly less powder and can print up to 3,500 pages. The ink cartridge only fills 200 pages.
Disposing of printer cartridges: what should you pay attention to?
At some point, even the most durable printer cartridge or toner cartridge will run out. And the question arises: how to dispose of it? According to the European umbrella organization for ink and toner remanufacturers, only around 20 percent of all printer cartridges sold worldwide are currently refilled. The rest ends up in household waste – or even worse: in the forest. Both are forbidden according to the Circular Economy Act (KrWG)! Depending on the federal state and the number of empty containers in your garbage can, you could face a fine of up to 2,500 euros (see table). The reason: toners contain extremely toxic substances such as heavy metals and fine dust. If these get into the air, they can make you sick. Printer cartridges can also be recycled if they are disposed of properly. The Circular Economy Act (KrWG) is intended to ensure this for the sake of the environment. Some printer cartridges are also equipped with a chip. They therefore belong in the category "Electronic waste". You can see whether your printer cartridge is one of them on the packaging: the symbol for disposal as electronic waste - a crossed-out garbage can - is shown there.
How and where can you dispose of empty printer cartridges?
Do yourself and the environment a favour: Dispose of your empty printer cartridges and toner cartridges properly. You have four options:
1. Dispose of printer cartridges at the recycling center
If you just want to get rid of your old printer or toner cartridges quickly, you can hand in the empties at your local recycling center. Most waste facilities accept them for free, recycle them or destroy them in an environmentally friendly way. But: It's rarely worth driving to the recycling center for a small amount of one or two cartridges. You also create unnecessary waste. Because most cartridges can still be used. Therefore, you should only consider the recycling center if your printer cartridge is defective. You will then receive a proof of disposal as confirmation that you have properly disposed of your printer cartridge.
2. Dispose of printer cartridges through the manufacturer
Manufacturers are legally obliged to take back empty cartridges and cartridges. They therefore offer consumers a free return service for empty printer cartridges and toner cartridges. Go to the printer manufacturer's website. There you will usually find a parcel label that you can print out. Put your old printer cartridges or cartridges for toner in a package, stick the label on it - and then take it to the post office. Make sure that your old printer cartridges are packed well. If these break on the way to the printer manufacturer, he can no longer use them. Did you keep the packaging of the printer cartridge after you bought it? Even better! Because it often already contains the package stamp for the return.
If you have opted for this option when disposing of printer cartridges, the manufacturer can recycle and sell your empty cartridges. For example, printer manufacturer HP promises that 80 percent of the ink cartridges it manufactures and 100 percent of its toner cartridges are made from recycled material. Numerous raw materials from the printer cartridge are suitable for recycling. Not only the plastic housing can be recycled, but also metals and the image drums built into the toner cartridges are suitable for reuse.
3. Hand in printer cartridges to refill companies
To dispose of your empty toner cartridges or printer cartridges, you can also hand them in at a refill station. You even get money for the fee because the refill provider can refill and resell your old printer cartridges. It's definitely worth checking: Depending on the model and retailer, you get between 10 cents and 5 euros. Some dealers even pay up to 13 euros per cartridge! The only requirement: They must be original cartridges or cartridges. The refilled cartridges are called refill cartridges. They often only cost half as much as new printer cartridges. So you benefit twice over: Not only do you get rid of your rubbish, you also get a cheap replacement.
4. Bring printer cartridges to electronics stores
Many consumer electronics stores will accept your empty cartridges free of charge. Special collection boxes are available for returns. Just ask the dealer! The electronics store will then send it back to the manufacturer for you.
Last tip: It is best to use gloves when replacing your printer cartridge. However, should color get on the skin, remove it immediately with cold water.
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