The Cost Savings of Ink Cartridge Recycling

May 04 2023, by Planet Green, 5 min reading time

Ink cartridges are a common office supply item that often end up being discarded after a single use. This creates a significant amount of waste that can have negative impacts on the environment. However, recycling ink cartridges can not only reduce this waste, but also provide significant cost savings for businesses and individuals.

Firstly, let's consider the environmental impact of ink cartridge waste. Ink cartridges are typically made from plastic, which takes hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. According to the article "Ink and Toner Cartridge Recycling Facts and Figures" published by Green Office Partner, "an estimated 375 million empty toner cartridges and 11 cartridges are discarded in the U.S. each year. Since it can take anywhere from 450 to 1,000 years for one cartridge to decompose, this amounts to a serious environmental hazard." (Source: https://www.greenofficemn.com/ink-and-toner-cartridge-recycling-facts-and-figures/)

Additionally, the production of new ink cartridges requires the use of various natural resources such as fossil fuels, minerals, and water. For example, the production of plastic ink cartridges involves the extraction and refining of petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource. In addition, the manufacturing process also requires energy for production and transportation, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution.

According to a report by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), producing one ton of plastic ink cartridges requires the consumption of 2,000 to 3,000 gallons of water, 3 to 4 barrels of crude oil, and generates about 1.5 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. By recycling ink cartridges, we can reduce the demand for new cartridge production, which in turn reduces the environmental impact of cartridge manufacturing. (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2007). Office Imaging Equipment: Assessing and Improving Environmental Performance.)

It’s this simple. By recycling ink cartridges, we can reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and conserve natural resources.

But what about the cost savings? Recycling ink cartridges can actually be a cost-effective alternative to constantly purchasing new cartridges. Remanufactured ink cartridges are recycled cartridges that have been cleaned, refilled, and tested for quality before being resold. The cost savings of remanufactured ink cartridges are significant compared to buying new cartridges.

According to a study conducted by the Rochester Institute of Technology, remanufactured ink cartridges cost approximately 30-60% less than new cartridges. Additionally, some companies offer a discount on future purchases when customers return their empty cartridges for recycling. This creates a closed-loop system that reduces waste and encourages customers to participate in sustainable practices.

Moreover, the production of new cartridges requires the use of fossil fuels and other natural resources. By choosing to use remanufactured cartridges, individuals and businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and conserve natural resources. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In turn, ink cartridge recycling programs offer incentives such as discounts on new cartridge purchases or cash back for each recycled cartridge. Some programs, like the ink cartridge recycling program at Planet Green Recycle, even offer free shipping for sending in used cartridges. These incentives can add up quickly, especially for businesses that go through large quantities of ink and organizations with a large outreach to consumers who print regularly.

In addition to cost savings, ink cartridge recycling can also benefit the economy by creating jobs in the recycling and remanufacturing industries. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling one ton of plastic creates 5.7 jobs, compared to only 1.8 jobs for landfilling that same ton of plastic. By supporting ink cartridge recycling programs, we can help create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

In a report by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, remanufacturing one ton of printer cartridges creates 3.5 jobs, compared to only 0.5 jobs created by landfills or incineration.

Furthermore, the report highlights that remanufacturing creates jobs that cannot be outsourced, as the process requires physical handling of the cartridges and cannot be done remotely. These jobs include sorting, cleaning, and refilling the cartridges, as well as testing and packaging the final product.

In addition to creating jobs, ink cartridge recycling and remanufacturing also supports local businesses and reduces the need for new cartridge production, which often relies on overseas manufacturing. By supporting domestic recycling and remanufacturing businesses, we can keep money within local communities and reduce our reliance on global supply chains.

Moreover, recycled ink cartridges are often less expensive than new cartridges and can offer comparable quality. Ink cartridge remanufacturing cleans, refills, and tests the cartridges to ensure they meet the same standards as new cartridges. In fact, some remanufactured cartridges are even made with higher quality ink and components than their new counterparts. See the brand www.DoorStepInk.com for the highest quality remanufactured ink cartridges available in the US with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Ink cartridge recycling is an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective alternative to constantly purchasing new cartridges. By recycling, we can reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, conserve natural resources, and stimulate economic growth. Additionally, the cost savings and comparable quality of recycled cartridges make them a practical choice for both businesses and individuals. Do your part in protecting the environment and saving money by recycling your ink cartridges instead of throwing them in the trash or the blue recycle bin and by replacing your ink cartridges with verified US remanufactured ink cartridges.