Companies collect used toner cartridges and reuse the raw materials. The cartidges are disassembled, recharged, reassembled, and pass quality checking. This process not only reduces the amount of waste from this product, but also costs less than manufacturing new cartridges, which saves you money when you buy them. Sending your used cartridges for recycling also saves you money in disposal costs.
Quality
Costs
Environmental Benefits
Tips
Case Studies
Remanufacturers/Suppliers List
More Information
Quality
Remanufactured toner cartridges from reputable companies with good quality control perform as well as, or better than, new cartridges. Most suppliers will guarantee that the quality of their remanufactured toner cartridges will match or exceed that of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Used cartridges are disassembled, inspected for worn or defective parts, repaired, cleaned, refilled, and reassembled. Toner cartridges can be remanufactured several times.
Remanufactured cartridges should not damage the copy machine or printer. Antitrust legislation prohibits manufacturers from changing their warranties if remanufactured cartridges are used in their machines.
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Costs
Use remanufactured toner cartrides and save money- 30% to 60% less expensive on a cost per copy basis than non-remanufactured cartridges! Recycling cartridges saves too- some companies accept used cartridges at no cost, or even buy them back or provide credit!
Environmental Benefits
Approximately 97% of the combined components (plastic, metal, rubber, paper, foam, and toner) in toner cartridges can be recycled. If not recycled, the plastic, made of engineering-grade polymers, takes at least 1,000 years to decompose.
Remanufactured toner cartridges minimize the disposal of these materials, conserve natural resources by eliminating the need for virgin materials, and saves energy in the remanufacturing process.
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Tips
To ensure that printing and copy problems are not unjustly blamed on the toner cartridge follow these printer maintenance tips:
- Clean copy machines and printers frequently
- Load the copier with clean, dry paper and always use the recommended paper stock. Paper absorbs moisture which can cause paper jams.
- Be careful when printing labels- labels can slip into the drum and render the toner cartridge useless. Never try to clean the photoconductive drum.
- Do not remove the cartridge from its package until ready for use. The shelf life of a cartridge in an unopened package is approximately 2.5 years, while an opened package is approximately six months.
- Never touch the drum surface of a toner cartridge and always protect it from light.
- Never expose cartridges to cold or warm temperatures or extreme humidity.
- Quality counts! A poor quality remanufactured cartridge will not perform well.
Extend the life of toner cartridges and other supplies by conserving paper and practicing efficient printing methods. Learn Paper Conservation Tips & Practices.
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Case Studies
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts saved more than $282,000 by purchasing more than 10,800 remanufactured toner cartridges and diverting more than 13 tons of material from landfill disposal in 2000. This is a savings of approximately 30% over the cost of new toner cartridges.
- King County, Washington saved $300,000 by purchasing 4,765 remanufactured cartridges in 2001. The cartridges cost about one-third of new cartridges.
More information about remanufactured toner cartridges from King County- http://www.metrokc.gov/procure/green/tonecart.htm
- Veterans Regional Office- Oakland, Ca saved over 45% by purchasing remanufactured cartridges in 2002. The office purchased 138 remanufactured cartridges and saved about $20,000.
- Jenkins Athens Insurance- Concord and Sacramento, Ca saved approximately $3,500 in 2002 by purchasing 156 remanufactured toner cartridges. This was a savings of over 17% compared to the cost of the same new cartridges.
- Oakland Unified School District- Oakland, Ca saved over $2,700 in 2002 by purchasing 178 remanufactured cartridges. This was a savings of approximately 33%.
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Making the Switch a Success
Businesses and governments that have successfully switched to remanufactured toner cartridges suggest these two strategies to approaching your own switch:
- Include the people who actually use the product in the decision-making process. Everybody affected by the change should be involved!
- Be willing to retest your products as new brands and types become available.
Remanufactured printer cartridges exemplifies the best benefits of environmentally preferable purchasing. They save money, reduce waste, conserve energy, and close the recycling loop- all of which works towards a safer and healthier environment.
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Source of Information:
Remanufactured Toner Cartridges in Alameda County
Remanufacturers/Supplier List
Electronics Exchange System- Toner Cartridge Remanufacturing Exchange
Recycler's World- Cartridge Remanufacturing and Recycling Category
used.recycle.net- List of Toner and Printer Cartridges Recyclers and Remanufacturers
CartridgesUSA.com
R & B Alternatives
Office Depot- How to Order Remanufactured Toner Cartridges
AtoZtoner- Remanufactured Toner Cartridges Supplies
More Information:
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