Easy Ways to Recycle Your Ink and Toner

Instead of throwing away your old printer cartridges and toner, you should recycle them. In some cases, you can even make money by recycling these products. I am going to share some of the ways I have recycled ink cartridges and toner.

One of the easiest ways to recycle ink and toner cartridges is to take them to your children's school. My daughter's daycare center even has a collection bin for these, as do many of the local elementary and middle schools. The schools make money by recycling these and you win because you have an easy spot to drop them off too. Our local church also has a recycling bin in its lobby for old toner and printer cartridges. That makes for another easy spot to drop them off at.

If you are a Staples Rewards member ( it's free to sign up!), you can take your cartridges and toner to a Staples store. They will credit you with a $3.00 off your next purchase coupon. These coupons are great to use if you need to buy more ink. They can be used on anything in the store. You can find out more about the program by going here: http://www.staples.com/sbd/content/about/soul/recycling.html

If are looking for a really easy way to recycle your cartridges, try the internet. I've used the site Free Recycling before and was very pleased. They currently buy over 100 different types of cartridges. They even allow you to print a free shipping label and all you do is drop the package off at the post office. It's super simple. You can even earn referrals if you have friends and family sign up under you and recycle their toner. You can find out more here: http://www.freerecycling.com/

If you prefer to recycle your ink jet cartridges on your own consider refilling them. You can purchase ink jet refill kits all over the internet depending on what model printer you have. You can also simplify the process by taking them to Walgreens. They are 100% satisfaction promise and they have modest prices. A black ink cartridge costs ten dollars and a color one costs fifteen dollars. I often see coupons and special offers in the Walgreens circular each week. If you don't have a Walgreens near you there are many other stores that do refills, just ask around. To find out more about Walgreens refill service, you can go here: http://www.walgreens.com/dmi/inkrefill/default.html

No matter what route you choose to recycle your ink, go for it. Save the planet and maybe even make a little money, or help out your favorite school. It feels good to recycle and know you have done the right thing!