Toner Cartridge Recycling
When you recycle your toner cartridge you can play a part in saving both the environment and the toll on your pocketbook. These days throwing your toner cartridge in the trash is a waste; it’s like throwing your money away!
An alternative to disposing of your toner cartridges is to recharge them with new toner. Manufacturers can replace the drums and other important parts with new ones. Additionally, some retail shops accept trade-ins for spent toner cartridges when you purchase a new one from them. These cartridges are then filled with new toner to be sold at discounted prices as compared to a brand new cartridge. Self-refill kits are also available.
Multiple types of refill kits are available for cartridges, depending on the type you need for your system. These kits make recycling toner cartridges simple and cheap. Most refill kits come with instructions, and the toner is inside a plastic bottle. You will not need any special tools for the job except for a soldering iron. Here are four basic steps on how to recycle your toner cartridge.
1. Take the toner cartridge off the printer.
2. Burn a small fill hole into the cartridge casing with the soldering iron. (Using a drill is out of the question because it will cause small bits of plastic to fall into the toner chamber.)
3. Pour the toner in through the fill hole. Manufacturers recommend you do not fill the chamber completely full — especially if you are refilling a cartridge that has been used more than once.
4. Seal the hole with tape once you’ve poured the appropriate amount of toner into the cartridge.
Because toner can seriously and permanently damage carpet, clothing, furniture, etc., take special care when handling it. Further, many toners are hazardous; therefore, take necessary precautions by wearing gloves and keep it out of children’s reach.
Toner cartridges are largely non-biodegradable and are therefore destined for landfills, but if you recycle your toner cartridges or buy re-manufactured ones you eliminate waste and save landfill space — which saves on disposal costs.
You can also avoid making a mess by purchasing re-manufactured toner cartridges. These are available from your local office suppliers and specialty stores. Additionally, some retailers, upon delivering your newly purchased re-manufactured cartridges, will pick up your old toner cartridges. Also, over the last few years toner cartridge re-manufacturers have improved their technology to the extent that the quality can meet the manufacturer’s OEM standards. Moreover, few re-manufactured cartridges produce poor quality or prints or exhibit signs of malfunction and/or leakage.
About the Author: Megan Barlow assists others to learn and apply green and sustainable living practices. For more information, please visit her blog on Green Homes.
Source Article: How to Recycle Your Toner Cartridge
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