When you recycle your toner cartridge you can play a part in saving both the environment and the toll on your pocketbook. These days throwing your toner cartridge in the trash is a waste; it’s like throwing your money away!

Rather than toss out your used toner cartridge, you have the option 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 refilled and sold at a much lower price than brand new ones. Self-refill kits are also available.

Depending on the type of toner cartridge you use, there are multiple types of refill kits available. These kits make recycling toner cartridges simple and cheap. Most refill kits come with instructions, and the toner is inside a plastic bottle. There are no special tools required other than soldering iron to refill the cartridge. Here are four basic steps on how to recycle your toner cartridge.

1. Take the toner cartridge off the printer.

2. Use a soldering iron to burn a small fill hole into the cartridge casing. Avoid using a drill or other sharp implement to create the hole, since such can result in minute pieces of plastic falling into the toner chamber.

3. Pour the toner in through the fill hole. Manufacturers recommend you do not fill the chamber completely full — especially if you are refilling a cartridge that has been used more than once.

4. Seal the hole with tape once you’ve poured the appropriate amount of toner into the cartridge.

Because toner can seriously and permanently damage carpet, clothing, furniture, etc., take special care when handling it. 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 simultaneously save landfull space while eliminating waste, thereby saving 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. Some retailers will pick up used toner cartridges when they deliver your purchased re-manufactured cartridge. 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. For more information, please visit her blog on Building Green.

Source Article: How to Recycle Your Toner Cartridge

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