Ink Outside the Box

Fact

The average toner cartridge is composed of 40 percent plastic, 40 percent metal and smaller amounts of rubber, paper, foam and toner. It takes one gallon of oil to make a single toner cartridge. An easy way to reduce production is to have your cartridges refilled when they’re empty. Some companies now re-manufacture ink cartridges. Of the materials that make up ink cartridges, 97 percent can be reused and recycled.

Get Started

• Buy a kit and refill it yourself
• Find a qualified retailer in your area to do it for you
• Keep print quantity low. By being a little stingy with the ink, you can get more bang for your buck

Become a Pro

• Encourage your company to refill their cartridges. Volunteer to set up the program and find local options
• Purchase a refill set for the college student or at-home professional in your life
• Help a local charity or school. You can get money for your old ink jet cartridges. Get in touch with RecycleBank to learn how