At Simply Print, we take pride in being an authorised Planet Ark collection centre dedicated to cartridge recycling. The impact of used printer cartridges on our environment cannot be understated, as they contribute significantly to landfill waste. By taking the simple step of recycling these cartridges, we can make a monumental difference in preserving our planet.
For years, Planet Ark and their recycling partner Close The Loop have been at the forefront of recycling old printer cartridges into new, innovative products. This initiative plays a crucial role in reducing the amount of waste that accumulates in landfills and even finds its way into our oceans.
But what exactly happens to printer cartridges during the recycling process? Once collected, they are transported to a specialised processing plant where they are meticulously sorted by brand and type. Many of the laser cartridges are returned to manufacturers for re-use or re-manufacturing, utilising their components effectively. Those cartridges that cannot be re-used undergo a meticulous process to separate all iron and aluminium-based metals as well as plastic. The result is the recovery of valuable raw materials that are further refined, upgraded, and then utilised instead of virgin materials in the production of new goods. These goods can range from new cartridges to electronic equipment and even serve as a base material for constructing new roads. Notably, a product called eWood is crafted from the plastic components of cartridges, serving as a sustainable alternative to timber for making fences and furniture, thereby reducing the need for deforestation.
Why should you join us in recycling your cartridges? Consider this: each year, over 350 million cartridges end up in landfills, where they can take over 1,000 years to decompose fully. During this prolonged period, the highly toxic particles they contain cause irreparable harm to our soil. The manufacturing of a single mono toner cartridge emits approximately 4.8 kg of greenhouse gases. This calculation solely considers the cartridge itself, excluding the toner inside. Imagine the environmental benefits if all these cartridges were recycled—it would undoubtedly lead to a much greener world.
Therefore, we urge you not to dispose of your cartridges in the regular bin but to drop them off at our collection centre. Best of all, it costs you nothing to contribute to this vital cause. Let’s work together to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Image: @porstocker via Twenty20
