Printers wear down and die over time. It is just an unfortunate fact of life. You will probably have to renew your printer after a while, even if you have a top-rated printer. Consumers may wonder, however, what to do with these old printers once they give up the ghost.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Old printers should be recycled or donated to a local charity.
- These printers can be brought to a local recycling center or a big-box retail location, such as Staples.
- Charitable locations may be able to send over a drive to pick up an old printer, though it should be functional.
Recycling Old Printers
Generally speaking, old printers should be recycled, as they are manufactured using a wide variety of materials and components, many of which cannot easily be broken down. This can be for many different reasons, but if your computer can’t find your wireless printer, there is probably an easy solution for it. Additionally, you can read our article on how to solve the problem of your printer making streaks while printing.
Insider Tip
The easiest way to recycle an old printer is to simply throw it in the trunk of your car and drive it to one of these recycling centers.
A Helpful Guide on How and Where to Recycle Old Printers
Looking to donate your old inkjet printer? You may want to find out what type of ink is used in inkjet printers, as this may be valuable information to the person you are donating to. Additionally, you may want to read our toner vs. ink cartridges article if you don’t know the difference between the two types. Here are some more tips and guidelines to help you easily and efficiently recycle any old printers you have lying around the house.
Local Recycling Centers
Your town or municipality likely features a local recycling center or two. The easiest way to recycle an old printer is to simply throw it in the trunk of your car and drive it to one of these recycling centers. It is important that you do not throw the printer in your recycling bin, as most areas do not accept large items of electronics in such bins. If you think your area does accept gadgets in a home-based recycling bin, look it up and go for it. As a warning, it is possible that a local recycling center will charge a small fee for taking the printer off your hands.
Insider Tip
Staples, for instance, will accept an old printer and recycle it for free, even if you did not originally buy the printer from Staples.
Big-box Retailers
Many of the best-known big-box retail stores will accept old printers and related gadgets. Staples, for instance, will accept an old printer and recycle it for free, even if you did not originally buy the printer from Staples. Best Buy, Office Depot, and other stores have instituted similar programs, but a fee may be involved. Also, you will have to drive there and drop the printer off, so a ride will have to be arranged.
Donate it to a Charity
There are multiple organizations out there that allow the donation of old printers. These printers will then be sent to people who need them, such as special-needs children or low-income families. As an added bonus, these charities will often send someone to come and pick up the printer, which can save you a lot of time. Charitable organizations also have needs like printing a5 pamphlets, so they are likely to take your old printer. Not sure what size is a5 print? You can simply find out what type of printer you have.
It is important to consider that these charitable organizations will only accept old printers if they are functional, so be sure to power them up and give them a whirl before donating.
Warning
As a warning, it is possible that a local recycling center will charge a small fee for taking the printer off your hands.
F.A.Q.
Are all HP printing products recyclable?
Not every printer product manufactured by industry giant HP is recyclable. We recommend taking a look at your instructions and documentation.
Should you sell your printer?
You can always sell an old printer on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay. However, the printer should be in good working condition before the sale.
What is “remanufacturing”?
Remanufacturing typically refers to a printer or related item of electronics that the manufacturer has professionally refurbished.
STAT: According to National Geographic, only 9% of plastics are actually being recycled. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inkjet_printing
- https://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/sustainability-center/recycling-services/electronics/
- https://www.bestbuy.com/site/services/recycling/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025r
- https://www.techdump.org/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_(computing)
