Where does your old printer go once its life cycle comes to an end? Should you just throw it away in the trash? Are there options for recycling?
Many people don’t really think what happens to their good old printer once a new one comes along. However, as the world sees a growing number of different types of waste, knowing what to do with old printers is very important now more than ever.
There are three choices here. You can sell, recycle, or donate them.
Sell Your Old Printers
For old printers that are still in good running conditions, you can make some cash out of them. There are now many places where you can sell your old printers, such as websites like Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist.
Besides the websites listed above, you can post about it on social media and join those buy and sell groups to sell off your printer locally. While these groups tend to be a bit crowded, you can get a good chance of making a sale in no time.
On the other hand, if your old printer doesn’t work anymore, you could still get back some of your investment if you sell it to repair shops and junk shops. Research about these shops in your area and call them beforehand to check the types and brands of printers they accept.
Recycle Your Old Printers
Probably the easiest and fastest way to get rid of your old printer is to recycle it. There are retailers that have designated recycle bins in their shops where you can drop off your old printer. Some stores also have recycling programs.
Many areas also have e-waste collection centers. You can check the official website of your county or city to know the hours and drop off locations of these centers. Taking your old printer to a recycling center is the simplest option to solve your problem and do it in such a way that it won’t pose any harm to the environment. Aside from the printer itself, the toner cartridges can also be recycled.
If there are no e-waste collection centers around you, you can contact the manufacturer of the printer. Some of them have take-back and e-waste recycling programs. Just make sure you call them in advance to see if they will accept your old printer. These companies might only accept certain devices for such programs.
Donate Your Old Printers
What you already consider as trash might just be the best treasure for someone else. If your old printer is still working, most organizations will be more than happy to take it and put it to good use. Good examples of these organizations are schools, charities, nonprofits, community organizations, and recreation centers. Old printers can also be donated to organizations specializing in electronics outreach programs for people in need.
Conclusion
Now that you already know what to do with old printers, make sure you select the best option so you can be sure that you will get the best out of your good old device.