All of those used toner cartridges from the multiple printers in your office can pile up fast. More than ever, it's essential for businesses of all sizes to maintain a green approach to conducting business. Both employees and clients increasingly prefer to work for and with companies that are environmentally friendly. However, of the nearly 1.3 billion toner cartridges that are used each year, only about 30 percent of them are recycled. So before you toss those toner cartridges in the trash, consider the damage they can do to our environment.
Toner cartridges take over 1,000 years to decompose in a landfill. The toner dust is a dangerous carcinogen, and therefore it is considered a hazardous waste product. Breathing in these toxins can be harmful to our lungs. These are long-term issues for our health and our environment. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some available recycling solutions to reduce the impact of toner cartridges on our environment.
Use a local recycling facility
A quick search online will help you track down your nearest recycling facility. If you have trouble finding a location that will accept toner cartridges, check out www.Earth911.com. Plug in your zip code and the material to be recycled (toner cartridges in this case), and you will be provided with the nearest recycling locations in your area.
Partner with a charity
Most businesses are associated with local charities. Recycling your toner cartridges is probably not the first thing that comes to mind in these partnerships, but it's a hidden benefit that you can both utilize. Your business can donate the used cartridges to your charity, who in turn, can receive funds for recycling them. Your contribution aids your local charity while indirectly helping the environment.
With a number of options available, it's easy to get into the swing of recycling to help dispose of your used toner cartridges in a way that is less harmful to our environment. For more assistance on recycling options and green initiatives for your business, contact All Copy Products today.