When you recycle your toner cartridge you will do the environment a favor while being financially rewarded. 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 before being sold at a reduced rate in comparison to brand new ones. Self-refill kits are also available.

There are a variety of refill kits on the market, although you need to ensure the one you choose is compatible with your cartridge type. These kits make recycling toner cartridges simple and cheap. Most refill kits come with instructions, and the toner is inside a plastic bottle. With the exception of a soldering iron, you will not need any special tools. Here are four basic steps on how to recycle your toner cartridge.

1. Take the toner cartridge off the printer.

2. Using the soldering iron, carefully burn a small hole into the cartridge casing without damaging the casing. Do not use a drill, as this might cause small bits of plastic to fall into the toner chamber.

3. Pour the toner in through the fill hole. It is recommended to add only a portion of the toner rather than filling up the toner chamber entirely, especially for cartridges that have been refilled more than once.

4. Once you’ve filled the cartridge to an acceptable level, use tape to seal the hole you created with the soldering iron.

Be particularly careful when you handle the toner, since it can ruin carpet, clothing, furniture, etc., if mishandled. Further, many toners are hazardous; therefore, take necessary precautions by wearing gloves and keep it out of children’s reach.

Non-biodegradable toner cartridges are destined for landfills, but if you recycle your toner cartridges or buy re-manufactured ones you can play an active role in eliminating waste and saving landfill space. And that 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. Additionally, most re-manufactured cartridges provide good quality prints coupled with a low occurrence of malfunction and leakage.

About the Author: Megan Barlow assists others to learn and apply green and sustainable living practices. To learn more, please visit her blog on Sustainable Living.

Source Article: How to Recycle Your Toner Cartridge

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