One of my dad’s favorite things to do is work on cars. He's not a mechanic and never has been. He’s just a guy who likes to tinker with engines. One sunny Saturday afternoon when I was in high school, my dad was fiddling with his latest revival project when he asked if I wanted to go to the junkyard with him to look for a part he needed.
I’ll never forget the moment I laid eyes on the mountains and mountains of discarded rubble. It felt like walking into a totally different world. This moment has always given me a special appreciation for the people who keep products out of junkyards and landfills.
It’s the same when it comes to office equipment. Learning how to properly dispose of a printer and other office machinery will allow you to keep your office equipment updated without contributing to the growing volume of global e-waste and will reduce your carbon footprint.
Managing a printer fleet isn’t always feasible for busy business owners. Rather than driving yourself crazy trying to do it all, consider working with a managed print services partner.
Why Does Proper Printer Disposal Matter?
Knowing how to properly dispose of a printer is vital for businesses that regularly use office equipment. This is because, eventually, the printer with which your workspace is outfitted is going to run out of steam. When this happens, you don’t want to be stuck sitting on your hands, unsure of what to do with your old machine before it can be replaced.
On top of keeping your business operations flowing smoothly, knowing how to properly dispose of your printer will keep you from adding to the growing volume of global e-waste, keep you out of the news cycle for unfriendly environmental practices, and help you avoid government fines from improper disposal tactics.
“Printers contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury, which can leach into groundwater, causing significant environmental damage and health risks. In fact, it's estimated that electronic waste contributes to 70% of the toxic waste found in landfills.”
You likely don’t want to poison your environment and I don’t know anyone who is a fan of being fined, so let’s take a look at your options for proper printer and other office equipment disposal.
Options for Your Old Printer
When it’s time to dispose of your printer, you can’t simply throw it in the trash. Printers, office machines, and other electronics contain a variety of components that are quite toxic to the environment. If they end up in a landfill or are disposed of improperly, these toxins can leak into the soil and wreak havoc on the native ecosystem.
Instead of pitching your old worn-down printer into the garbage bin, you’ll want to consider one of the following strategies for proper printer disposal with minimal environmental impact.
When it comes time to responsibly dispose of your printer or other office equipment consider one of the following eco-friendly options:
- Recycle or Upcycle
- Donate
- Resell
- Trade-In
1. Recycle or Upcycle
Consider taking your printer to a local recycling center that handles electronic waste. Many communities have designated drop-off locations or scheduled collection events where you can responsibly dispose of your old gadgets. Be sure to check with your local waste management authorities or environmental agencies to find the closest facility.
For the creatively inclined, upcycling offers a unique and environmentally friendly alternative. Before you part ways with your printer, salvage any reusable components and consider repurposing them for DIY projects. From turning your printer into a stylish planter to transforming its parts into wall art, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
2. Donate
One person's retired printer could be a valuable asset to a local charity or school in need. Reach out to community organizations, educational institutions, or nonprofit groups to inquire about their technology needs. Donating your printer can contribute to educational initiatives or support those who may not have access to such equipment.
3. Resell
If your printer is still in good working condition, selling it online can be a win-win. Numerous platforms, such as online marketplaces or dedicated electronics resale websites, provide a marketplace for pre-owned gadgets. Ensure that you erase any personal data before selling and be transparent about the printer's condition to find the right buyer.
4. Trade-In
Many printer manufacturers offer trade-in programs, allowing you to exchange your old printer for a discount on a new model. Check with the brand of your current printer to see if they have such a program in place. This not only helps you upgrade your equipment but also ensures that your old printer is responsibly handled by the manufacturer.
As you explore these options, remember that choosing a responsible disposal method not only benefits the environment but also contributes to a more sustainable and circular approach to consumer electronics. So, whether you opt for recycling, donating, reselling, or trading in, you're taking a step toward a greener and cleaner future.
A Word About E-Waste
More eyes are on the environment today than ever before. This has to do with the volatile weather patterns being witnessed as well as how the business world is responding to the increasing pressure to develop and deploy environmentally friendly processes and operations.
Learning how to dispose of printers and other office equipment properly is a necessary step in the right direction for businesses of all sizes and across all industries. By developing a strategy for the e-waste that your organization creates, your company won’t find itself at the center of an environmental disaster, and you’ll be able to avoid fines from governmental agencies and other environmental groups of authority.
Because e-waste has become so problematic, many states have created legislation specifically around proper e-waste disposal and recycling. As such, it’s vital that your organization adhere to these regulations, not just for the environment, but for their own best interest as well.
Last Words on Printer Recycling and Disposal
We only have one earth, and it’s important that all of us do our best to support its health and keep it sustainable. Businesses have a major role to play in this story and should prioritize eco-friendly policies and processes wherever possible.
By committing to an e-waste recycling strategy that addresses outdated office equipment, old technology, and any other electronic waste your organization may create, you’ll gain favor with the growing number of environmentally conscious consumers, avoid fines, and ultimately end up with a more efficient operation on your hands.
By working with a managed print services partner, you can rest assured that your office equipment will be well-serviced throughout its life and that it will be handled responsibly when it has reached the end of its run.
