Last month, Ventura County lost an important environmental service when Costco closed its in-store photo shops, transitioning its photo development business online. These shops were the last local options for printer ink refill services, following Walgreens’ discontinuation of printer recharge services a year ago.
Despite the closure of these physical locations, there are still alternative ways to refill inkjet printer cartridges. One option is purchasing a refill kit online or from an office supply store. While this method is cost-effective, it can be messy and requires caution to avoid spills and stains.
Another approach to conserving resources and saving money is through remanufacturing services, which involve disassembly, part replacement, ink refilling, and thorough testing to ensure performance comparable to original products. Remanufactured cartridges typically cost about three quarters of the price of new ones and often come with additional discounts for returning used cartridges.
Companies like Planet Green in Chatsworth offer incentives for cartridge recycling, providing free postage for mailing in used cartridges and offering discounts on remanufactured products. However, not all cartridges are suitable for remanufacturing, with some cheaper alternatives being single-use and unsuitable for refilling.
Recycling empty cartridges is another eco-friendly option, with some companies offering monetary compensation for returned cartridges. Recycling Advantage, for instance, purchases empty inkjet cartridges at varying prices based on the cartridge model, providing a means for individuals and organizations to earn extra income or fundraise.
Major retailers like Staples, Office Depot, and Best Buy also promote cartridge recycling by offering store credits or discounts on future purchases in exchange for returned cartridges. These initiatives aim to reduce waste and promote sustainability by reusing cartridge materials in new products.
While recycling is beneficial, reusing cartridges through refilling or remanufacturing is generally considered a more environmentally friendly practice due to the conservation of energy and resources involved. By opting for these methods, consumers contribute to waste reduction and promote sustainable printing practices.
David Goldstein, a resource analyst with Ventura County Public Works, emphasizes the importance of eco-conscious decisions in printer cartridge management. For further insights and inquiries, David can be contacted via email at david.goldstein@ventura.org or followed on Twitter @EyeOnTheEnviron.
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