Recycle Printer Cartridges.

Ink cartridges are just like razor blades, in terms of their marketing. The manufacturers make the initial purchase (like the printer or blade holder) inexpensive, but the refills (ink cartridges and razor blades) can be very expensive. That's a shame because they get used up so quickly! Recycling the ink cartridges for your computer printer may not make them less expensive, but it will help reduce waste, preserve the environment, and reduce our dependence on oil (foreign or domestic).

According to EnviroSmart (www.envirosmart.com) a national cartridge recycler, making one new laser cartridge requires nearly a gallon of oil (for making the plastic and ink) and generates over two pounds of waste. But refilling one recycled laser cartridge uses less than half that amount of oil. New ink jet cartridges are smaller, but still require two and a half ounces of oil.

Over 86% of all inkjet cartridges and 50% of laser cartridges sold in the US are thrown away, ending up in landfills where they can contaminate soil or water. Thankfully, organizations like EnviroSmart are helping change that statistic. EnviroSmart is the largest recycler of inkjet and laser cartridges in the world. Schools, charities, and other organizations can even raise money by recycling ink cartridges. Many offices have rolls of postage paid envelopes addressed to EnviroSmart. Just drop in your empty cartridge, seal and drop it in the mail. They make it so easy!

So if your office supply store doesn't accept your cartridges, or if they don't give a discount or free paper in exchange for an empty cartridge, try recycling with EnviroSmart. By the way, they also recycle cell phones.

InkBank.com has a similar program. If you are in the US or Canada, your nonprofit organization can raise money by collecting ink cartridges for recycling. There are several other companies that will even buy your empty cartridges. Just do a web search for "ink cartridge recycling" (no quotes) to find the best ink cartridge (or toner) recycling offer for your needs. There are lots of them available.

And don't forget to purchase recycled ink cartridges and toner for your printing needs. Recycling is a great deal for you, your favorite charity and our environment. Start collecting cartridges today!

"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." -Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd US President (1882-1945)