What Should I Do With My Old Printer?

Whenever we decide to invest in a new consumable product there?s always a slight nagging doubt over what should be done with the item it is replacing. This is certainly no different when it comes to printers. In fact, due to WEEE regulations you need to ensure that it is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Selling an Old Printer

The easiest and most beneficial solution is to sell your old printer. Whilst you might have outgrown its uses, there may be others out there who would still find it useful. This could provide a small boost to your coffers and help cover the expense of the incoming printer model. There are various places you can list items such as this, including online auctions and free listings; whilst you won?t recoup the full original value, you can at least enjoy a bonus cash injection.

Giving your Printer Away for Reuse

If just getting rid of your old printer is the top priority, regardless of whether you get any money or not, then rather than consigning it to the tip you might want to see if anybody else would appreciate it. Often local schools and charities are more than happy to take on old models, as long as they are functional and compatible with their machines then they will be more than happy to take it off your hands.

Of course this is probably more appropriate for businesses who are upgrading their equipment with greater regularity, and often with greater expense too. Smaller desktop laser printers favoured by most homes may well be functional, but have limited usage outside of their low usage environment. If there are any electronics outlets or charity shops who will take it off your hands though it is always better to ensure that it is reused rather than just recycled.

Recycling a Printer

Speaking of recycling, this is your third possible option. Whilst in the old days it may have been acceptable to take your old electronics, including your printer down to the tip and just be done with it. In fact some might just dump it in the waste or in a convenient skip. This of course is no longer encouraged, in fact far from it.

Legislation has changed, particularly where businesses are involved, partly due to the WEEE directive. This law is enforced by the Government?s Environment Agency and it covers the safe disposal of all electronic equipment.

With landfills being overrun by the non-biodegradable componentry of stereos, computers and other household electronics, the WEEE directive is in place to ensure that these damaging elements are controlled. Your printer, for example, is full of potentially hazardous materials including the ink, cabling and circuit boards. Therefore, to ensure that these don?t damage the environment if you do choose to get rid of it lock, stock and barrel, you should always ensure that it is properly recycled.

Whilst it might not be as convenient as your fortnightly collection at home, recycling a printer needn?t be an ordeal either. For larger offices that may be replacing a vast number of old machines it may be best to enlist the help of professionals. There are a number of businesses who will pick up your redundant printers and dispose of them in an environmentally friendly manner. This service won?t be free, but for that premium you will be able to get on with business as usual with minimal fuss.

If you choose to recycle the printer yourself, be sure to take it to a facility that is able to deal with electronics. There are numerous sites throughout the country offering the service, most of which are completely free. If you do recycle always be sure to remove any remaining ink first. This liquid is toxic and will stain if it leaks, so you will be doing your recyclers a huge favour by ensuring that this is removed before you hand it over.

So there are certainly a few options out there for you to explore when it comes to disposing of an old printer. If it?s full functioning and just surplus to requirements then you might want to explore selling it or passing it on to somebody who would benefit from having it for free. Otherwise, the only other option is to recycle. Whilst it might not be as easy as throwing it into the trash, to conform with the WEEE directive as well as bolstering your own green credentials.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For a wide range of Samsung products, he recommends Printware Ltd, a leading supplier of Samsung Mono Laser Printers.

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