How Ink Cartridges Are Contributing to the E-Waste Crisis

Hundreds of millions of used ink cartridges are disposed of every year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 2.3 million tons of electronic devices were ready for end of life management in 2010. Five years later, consumption of electronics has increased making the disposal of electronic devices, and accessories a major concern. Each cartridge contains plastics, metals, and toxic materials, making recycling the best environmentally responsible option.

Recycling inkjets is the BEST solution

Inkjet cartridges pose a threat to the environment when discarded incorrectly. The following figures demonstrate why recycling is the best option:

• There are significant amounts of raw materials used in the production of ink cartridges. Plastic and steel make up significant parts of a typical ink cartridge. Plastic is produced using petroleum products. The production of plastic for every industry relies on the use of 191 billion barrels of LPG and NGL (Natural Gas Liquid) every year.
• Carbon black is a significant component of black ink. This material can only be produced through the combustion of heavy petroleum products. Not only is the production environmentally damaging, but Carbon Black has been identified as a potential human carcinogen. Improper disposal could lead to environmental contamination.
• There are over 300 million cartridges disposed of every year. A standard HP C6578DE cartridge weighs 159 grams. Just one million of these cartridges in a landfill would equate to over 17,500 tons of waste. That’s the equivalent of over 11,000 Toyota Prius vehicles.
• The plastics used in ink cartridges are made up of mixed resins. These plastics can take between 450 and 1,000 years to completely decompose. 

What can Businesses and Consumers Do?

The easiest way to reduce the environmental impacts of empty ink cartridges is to recycle them. Ink cartridges can be remanufactured allowing to double their life. Remanufacturing involves cleaning, disassembling used cartridges, inspecting the components, inserting a new core, replacing worn parts like printer heads, and refilling ink wells with manufacturer specification ink.

The process of remanufacturing saves energy and materials because plastics and metals are reused, but most importantly, recycling inkjets reduces the amount of cartridges that ends up in landfills or incineration facilities.

As an industry leader in remanufactured inkjet cartridges, Planet Green, located in the USA, uses in-house built equipment and advanced remanufacturing methods. All the necessary steps are taken to ensure that all the components to make products are properly reused. Ink cartridges can be remanufactured up to 3 times using a majority of original parts making the savings in energy significant.

Get paid for your used cartridges

Many individuals and organizations have used Planet Green Recycle fundraising program to raise funds for their cause. In fact, Planet Green has paid out millions of dollars over the past 20 years to more than 13,000 causes. Planet Green has been able to assist local schools, nonprofit organizations, sports clubs, and religious institutions raise funds for their cause. Planet Green Recycle fundraising program also ensure that the value and importance of recycling inkjets is spread through education and awareness.

The environmental impact of new technologies can be huge, especially when the manufacturing, distribution, and end of life processes are viewed holistically. Recycling inkjets and using remanufactured cartridges is just one of the ways businesses and individuals can reduce their environmental footprint, while also saving money on quality products.