Technological advancements have made us a much more productive society. Unfortunately, these advancements have resulted in hazards to the environment. To avoid polluting our environment, many methods of disposing of technological waste have been implemented. Used Inkjet and toner cartridges are items that need consideration when thinking about the impact on the environment. Like other items such as soda bottles, plastic, and glass, ink and toner cartridges should not be tossed into landfills.

Recycling ink and toner cartridges is a great way to protect the environment, reduce e-waste, and conserve resources. As well, you may be able to make a bit of money. There are now many recycling drop off locations where people can drop off their old cartridges. Stores such as Staples have instituted a recycling program where they collect used cartridges. US Consumers will receive a $3.00 Staples reward for every ink or toner cartridge they return to their local Staples store. Companies such as HP and Dell provide postage-paid envelopes or a shipping label with a new cartridge in order to send the old cartridge back to them for recycling. As well, companies like Canon provide people with labels to print off on their website. Some stores will give a discount on your next cartridge purchase. Office Depot will send out prepaid boxes for customers to return empty ink or toner cartridges for recycling. All that one has to do is place the empty cartridge in the prepaid box and mail it back to them.

Another method of disposing of ink jet and toner cartridges is to sell them. There are companies that will purchase old ink and toner cartridges. The companies will fill them and use them again. The prices usually vary among companies but it can be up to a few dollars. There are a number of these companies online. You can also sell them on an online auction site.

If you continually use the same printer, you may want to consider refilling the cartridge for your own personal use. It is much less expensive than constantly buying new cartridges. Most computer and office retailers have refills; however, there are refill kits that you can purchase. There are a number of online stores that sell these kits. Filling ink cartridges involves using a syringe and drawing up ink and injecting it into the various slots of the cartridge. Make sure you use latex gloves in case you spill any ink on your hands. When refilling toner for a laser printer, you have to be careful you don't break anything. Many companies will have someone come out to refill the cartridge. It can be complicated so it is important that you know what you are doing.

Because there is so much waste being dumped into landfills all over the world, we all need to do our part to protect the environment. Every industry creates waste, including the computer industry. Powder from toner cartridges and ink from inkjets should not be thrown into landfills. Toner cartridges and inkjets should be recycled. Not disposing of ink and toner cartridges properly can have detrimental affects on the environment.