Should you throw away an old printer?

When your copy machine or printer finally bites the dust or is replaced with a new model, you may be wondering what to do with your old machine. Many people don't know that these machines contain materials that can pollute the earth, and incorrect disposal of them is incredibly hazardous to the environment. Read on to learn how to dispose of a copier or printer properly.

At an increase of about 8 per cent per year, electronic waste, or e-waste, is the fastest-growing segment of the Australian waste stream. Contributing to the problem is the fact that less than 10 per cent of electronics such as printers, fax machines, etc. are recycled - the remaining 90 per cent end up in incinerators or landfills where their harmful toxins are released into the atmosphere and can then cause harm to your health. Instead of allowing these chemicals (including mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and selenium) to enter our air or water supply, consider the following alternatives.

National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme

E-waste recycling services are provided across metropolitan, regional and remote Australia as part of the Australian Government's National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. This industry-funded scheme makes it easier for people to have their televisions, computers, printers, computer parts and accessories recycled for free.

Where can I recycle my TVs and computers?

The NTCRS provides around 98 per cent of Australia's population with reasonable access to collection services for televisions and computer parts. Location and opening times for recycling and collection services are determined by the organisations who manage them, with flexibility provided to suit local circumstances. Services may include a permanent collection site at a local waste transfer station or retail outlet, or one-off recycling events. These may be operated through local council or resource management centres. Services are free for households and small businesses, while charges may apply for larger businesses. Not all drop-off points in Australia are part of the scheme, and fees may be payable at some locations. Contact the providers below or your local council for details.

Planet Ark maintains a database of television and computer drop-off points. Search for recycling near you:

• • Planet Ark - RecyclingNearYou

Four organisations have been approved to deliver recycling services under the scheme. For more information, including details of the collection services and drop-off points they provide, visit their websites:

• • TechCollect

• • Electronics Product Stewardship Australasia

• • E-Cycle Solutions

• • Drop Zone

 

Printers are common computer accessories, and like most accessories will begin to experience performance loss and other problems over time. Whether you replace a printer because a newer model has additional features or because the old printer no longer works, you shouldn't simply throw the device into the trash once it's no longer needed. Proper disposal of computer accessories is environmentally friendly, and you may be able to help out a good cause by doing so as well.

When your printer comes to the end of its life, where does it go? Are there recycling options? Do you toss it in the garbage? Most people don't think of what happens to their trusty printer once they're ready for a new one, but as with any other type of waste, your business needs to know how to dispose of a printer properly.

Getting rid of old printers is like getting rid of other electronics - you can't just throw them out. Printer ink cartridges contain toxic substances, and many states have legislation against the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste). Businesses that illegally dump electronics can face huge fines. 

So how do you get rid of those old printers that are sitting around collecting dust and cluttering your office? You can recycle them, donate them or sell them. Here's how.

Hazards of E-Waste

If printers aren't disposed of properly, printer components containing potentially toxic materials are placed in landfills or incinerated, allowing these materials to leach into the soil or enter the air like ash. In addition to chemicals in the ink and toner used by printers, circuit boards and other components can contain hazardous metals such as lead and mercury. 

Printer Preparation

Before disposing of a printer, make sure that any SD cards, removable memory or other add-ons have been removed from the printer. Remove the print cartridges from the printer, disconnect USB or other connecting cables and remove the power cord. The print cartridges should be disposed of separately through a recycling program. At the same time, the USB cable, power cord or other cables can be reused by other electronics or disposed of separately. If the printer is still in working condition, include the power cable with the printer when dropping it off so that it can be refurbished if that is an option.

Check recycling drop-off point providers to confirm what's accepted in each location. Drop-off points may also accept other e-waste such as mobile phones, batteries and electronics.

Where can I recycle mobile phones?

The following government-accredited organisation delivers mobile phone and accessory recycling. Visit their website to find out about their collection services and drop-off points.

• • MobileMuster

 

Where can I recycle other products?

You can search the Planet Ark database to find out where to recycle other products such as printer cartridges, batteries, light globes, paint, whitegoods and plastic.

• • Planet Ark - RecyclingNearYou

 

Further information

 

• • For households and small business

• • About the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme

 

Proper Disposal

Once the printer is prepared for disposal, it should be taken to a centre that specializes in the recycling and disposal of electronic waste. These centres process the printers they take in, disassembling them and cleaning the parts to remove any link or corrosion that may have accumulated during the printer's lifetime. Recyclable plastic, metals and other materials will be separated so they can be properly recycled while any materials that cannot be recycled will be disposed of safely. Depending on the options offered by the recycling centre, you may be paid for the materials in the printer you bring in.

Manufacturer Buyback Programs

Some printer manufacturers offer buyback and recycling programs, eliminating the need for you to locate and visit a local recycling facility. Manufacturer buyback programs typically require you to visit the manufacturer's website to receive a quote and print a shipping label; in most cases, these buyback programs will accept printers from other manufacturers as well. Though you are responsible for packaging and shipping out the printer, the cost of shipping is typically paid for by the program. Once the manufacturer receives your printer, you will be paid based on the condition and model of the printer if the printer still has commercial value. In some cases, you may be able to drop off the printer at a retail partner of the manufacturer to eliminate the need for shipping.

Recycling Print Cartridges

Print cartridges are typically recycled separately from printers themselves to keep them and any ink they contain out of landfills. Many retailers that sell print cartridges offer drop boxes where used cartridges can be placed for recycling, and several printer manufacturers offer mail-in recycling services as well. Recycling print cartridges ensures that any ink remaining in them is drained safely and that the cartridges themselves are broken down and cleaned before any components are recycled or disposed of.

Donating Printers

If a printer is still in working condition, consider donating the printer instead of disposing of it. Some organizations accept donated computer equipment and, after performing testing and refurbishing if necessary, then distribute it either to programs or to lower-income families with school-aged children or others who would benefit from having access to basic computer equipment at home. Other organizations operate thrift stores or other sales outlets and sell working used equipment as a way to raise funds for community services.

What to Do Before Disposing of an Old Printer

When your printers or fax machines have been rendered obsolete for any reason, you may not be experienced in the proper guidelines for disposal. Handling potential electronic waste is a crucial process, and companies may require internal standards to be met alongside state and federal guidelines for e-waste removal. 

Printers have removable components like print cartridges that may be required to be removed or recycled depending on the method of disposal. 

Preparing a printer for disposal streamlines the process for all parties involved. Components like ink cartridges must be removed and recycled if possible beforehand. Cartridges left behind may complicate the e-waste recycling processor could be a hassle to replace for a donation recipient.