When your copier or printer bites the dust or gets replaced
with a new model, you may be wondering what to do with the old machine. Many people actually don't know that these
types of machines contain materials that can pollute the earth, and incorrect
disposal of copy machines and printers is incredibly hazardous to the
environment. Read on to learn how to
properly dispose of a copier or printer.
Increasing by about 8 percent per year, electronic waste, or
e-waste, is the fastest growing segment of the US waste stream. Contributing to the problem is the fact that
less than 10 percent of electronics such as printers, copiers, and fax machines
are recycled - the remaining 90 percent end up in incinerators or landfills
where their harmful toxins can then cause harm to your health. Instead of allowing these chemicals
(including mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and selenium) enter the air or
water supply, consider these alternatives.
Donate Your Old
Copier or Printer
One alternative to throwing out your old printer or copy
machine is to donate it to a school, non-profit organization, or low-income
community. This is an excellent option
if the copier or printer is still in good working order and you are simply replacing
it with a newer model. You will keep the
copier/printer and all its toxins out of the landfill, and the organization you
donate it to will surely appreciate it. Additionally, donating your used
equipment to a school or non-profit organization can help you qualify you for
tax deductions. Most non-profits will
provide a donation receipt for tax purposes if you request it (but keep a
record of what you donated and to whom just in case).
Check Recycles.org for a full list of schools,
organizations, and non-profit businesses that accept donations of electronics.
Manufacturer
Take-Back
If donating your copiers or printers isn't an option, check
with the manufacturer of the machine.
Many companies now have take-back programs in place for recycling
e-waste such as non-working copiers and printers. This option not only keeps the hazardous
materials from your machines out of the landfill, but it allows the
manufacturer to reuse many resources from the machine such as raw materials and
heavy metals.
Find a Licensed
Disposal Facility
Last but not least is the option of finding a government
licensed electronics disposal facility.
These companies will dispose of your copier machine, printer, or fax
machine in an environmentally safe way that will meet your legal obligations
and also achieve the maximum environmental benefit of disposal. Generally a
disposal facility will take printers or copy machines such as Canon copymachines or Toshiba copy machines and dismantle them into their composite
materials which can then be recycled and entered back into the manufacturing
process, thereby helping the environment and preserving natural resources.
Whatever option you choose, just remember to recycle or
refurbish your copy machine or printer - don't let it end up in the landfill!
Correct-Tek Copier Service
1514 E. Waverly Ct.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004 US
Tel: 847-398-5212
Mobile: 847-398-5212
Email: ctcopier@sbcglobal.net
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