Hey everybody, here’s some useful info on how to recycle your used inkjet printer cartridges, from Andrew Darlow’s book 301 Inkjet Tips & Techniques. Check it out, it’s a really good printing resource.

Tip #114: Donate or recycle your inkjet-related items.

In this final tip of my section of the book, I think it is critical to understand the impact that we all have on our earth when we throw out items containing ink and plastic (and, for that matter, any plastic or electronic materials). Virtually all inkjet cartridges can be recycled, and recycling keeps many potentially harmful materials out of landfills.

Some companies will recycle specific brands of used inkjet and laser cartridges, and,in some cases, they will even pay a specific amount per cartridge. Staples, for example, pays $3 per recycled cartridge in the form of store merchandise certificates.

Also consider recycling the packaging that your inkjet cartridges come in. If the package has a recycle logo or a notice that it can be recycled, you can usually discard it with plastic bottles and similar items.

Also consider recycling mobile phones, laser printer toner cartridges, computers, and, of course, batteries. Many communities have free drop-off centers for batteries and other electronic trash, and some companies, like Staples, will recycle old printers, computers, and other items for a per item fee.

I also recommend doing a search on your printer or ink manufacturer’s web site to see what suggestions and options they offer for recycling. Most have a section dedicated to recycling.

Donating working printers to nonprofit organizations such as The Salvation Army can help those organizations earn money from the sale of the equipment. By donating a printer to a school (and possibly some time to help them set it up), you may be able to help them to greatly expand their art program.

There is also a good chance that some of your equipment’s value can be deducted on your tax return. I recommend checking with a tax professional with regard to how to properly account for these types of donations.

From Chapter 8 (Tip 114) of Andrew Darlow’s new book, 301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques: An Essential Printing Resource for Photographers (Course Technology, PTR). For more info, including excerpts from the book, visit www.inkjettips.com

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