Packaging
The next thing to think about is the stuff that's wrapped around your cartridges when you buy them. From the box to the internal packaging, disposing of these correctly makes a difference as well.On the manufacturer side, all the companies listed previously (apart from Konica Minolta) have signed the National Packaging Covenant, which is a government and industry initiative in Australia. This voluntary program aims to reduce packaging which shaves off a gamut of environmental concerns. By designing better and more efficient ways to pack goods, less packaging materials will be used.
Re-manufactured cartridges
In this context, the term "re-manufactured" refers to non-brand-specific (or generic) toner and ink that can be bought for a range of printers.
Ever wondered what was inside your toner and where each bit goes? (Credit: Canon)
While not supported by printer makers, there are a number of services available that refill ink cartridges for you. Though this option usually works out cheaper than buying fresh ink cartridges every time, make sure to check that you don't void any warranty before you delve into inky waters.
A study by InfoTrends, commissioned by HP, found that in the US and Europe, 80 percent of re-manufactured toner cartridges are thrown away rather than recycled by the manufacturer. However, this doesn't stop you as a consumer from making a conscious effort to recycle these cartridges in the same manner as brand-specific ones.
Recycling your printer
While you may be tempted to throw your printer away when it fails to operate, there are a number of more viable options. Some printer manufacturers such as Canon will take back items to be broken up into component parts for appropriate recycling. Check the companies' Web site for more information on recycling hardware.Post-consumer waste
The next big question is, of course: What happens to these products after recycling?Some companies produce additional products from recycled end-of-life printers and copiers. Canon claims that one of its copiers can produce up to 4.7kg of recycled plastic, which goes back into making smaller products such as the top and bottom casings of several of its calculators. According to the company, 80 percent of its LS-63TG calculator are made of recycled material.
Cartridges and toners recycled through the Planet Ark initiative often end up as elements of other plastic items such as rulers, stationery items and even park benches.
Tags: Cartridge, Printer, Lexmark International Inc., Recycling, Printing
