In North America, more than 40,000 tons of plastic and metal is saved from landfills annually as a result of cartridge recycling. If 100,000 used cartridges are recycled, it can save over 21,000 lbs of aluminum, 40 tons of plastic, and 264,000 gallons of oil. Reusing the cartridges (for remanufacturing) is even better for the environment.
Reasons to Reuse or Recycle Cartridges
- It reduces air and water pollution/emissions associated with incineration, new manufacturing, or left in a landfill
- It conserves natural resources needed for manufacturing
- It helps save energy
- It decreases emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change
- 70% of ink cartridges are not recycled
- The plastics used in printer cartridges can take 450 to 1,000 years to decompose
- Printer ink can leak and pollute the environment and harm wildlife
- It takes three ounces of oil to produce just one inkjet cartridge. It is estimated that over 11 million gallons of oil can be saved in only seven months by recycling cartridges. When reused/remanufactured, oil consumption is reduced to zero
- Up to 97% of the materials used to make a printer cartridge can be recycled or reused
Don’t Throw it Away!
Weston’s Transfer Station accepts printer ink cartridges for recycling. The bin can be found to the right of the solid waste compactor, near where light bulbs are placed. All varieties of ink cartridges are taken; however, toner cartridges are not taken at this time.