Guide

How to dispose of your ink cartridges correctly

4.1.2019

Translation: machine translated

Ink cartridges do not belong in the rubbish. This is an unnecessary burden on the environment. In addition to refilling, there are various options for disposal.

When the ink in the printer is empty again, I often find myself disposing of the cartridge in the "Ghüder". I then have to get round to depositing the cartridge in our recycling system for later, correct disposal.

Yes, there is a correct way to dispose of them, or at least a more correct way than just throwing them in the bin. Why you shouldn't just throw them away?

What an ink cartridge consists of

Depending on the ink cartridge, it is not only made of plastic, but can also contain metal or electronics. Printer cartridges with a print head have the electronics integrated. Those without a print head have the electronics in the printer. Some cartridges contain the ink in an aluminium bag.

Metals and electronics should not be disposed of with household waste. And that is precisely why cartridges do not belong in the rubbish. However, disposing of them with electronic waste is also not ideal from an environmental perspective, as the cartridges can be reused.

Where to put the empty cartridges?

You have several options. The most ecological way is to refill your empty cartridges. The sleeve itself is still fully functional after the ink has been used up. You can either refill it yourself with the appropriate ink and tools. Alternatively, you can take or send the cartridge to one of the numerous suppliers for refilling. Google can help you in both cases.

If this is too tedious for you, or if you don't want to or can't refill your cartridges for another reason, you can always send them for recycling. There are also several options here. Various manufacturers offer you the option of returning your used cartridges to them free of charge by post. You can find information about this on the websites of the relevant manufacturers. You can also turn your empty cartridges into money or donate them. Various refill services will buy them from you because they resell them later. Last but not least, you still have the option of taking the cartridges to a recycling centre or to the point of sale for proper disposal. Of course, you can also do this in the digitec shop.

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