How are cartridges recycled?

Modern society cannot imagine itself without new technologies and computer equipment. At the same time, not many people think about the proper handling of consumables that have become obsolete, among which laser print cartridges occupy a significant place. Earlier, we published an article about printing waste and recycling methods.

Why recycle cartridges

The proper disposal of printer cartridges should concern all owners and users of office equipment. After all, the used cartridge does not just stain all the surfaces that the toner comes into contact with, but also negatively affects the health of others. The smallest particles of powder penetrate the lungs, where they accumulate. They can cause various allergic reactions, contribute to the development of various diseases, including cancer.

Toner is a powder in a cartridge.

Going to a garbage container, a used cartridge becomes an environmental time bomb. Plastic practically does not decompose naturally, because the discarded cartridge will emit harmful substances for a long time.

Various large manufacturing companies offer toner recycling cartridges for free. Wholesale buyers are provided with special containers for the storage of waste products. When it is completely filled, collection and further disposal are carried out.

Spent equipment can also be handed over to specialized service centers, where, if necessary, appropriate documentation on disposal is issued. Organizational equipment suppliers and specialized companies involved in the destruction of hazardous waste can also collect old cartridges.

Disposal Methods

Now toner cartridge refill used cartridges are carried out in several ways.

The most common is recycling with subsequent use for new products. Many manufacturing companies transfer the collected waste products to subsidiary processing organizations. They carry out cleaning, necessary repairs, replacement of worn parts, refueling. Ready-to-use cartridges are offered to customers under a different brand.

Another way is decomposition. It is divided into mechanical and thermal components. The spent product is disassembled in production conditions for elements that are further sorted and disposed of in parts. Innovative technologies allow us to do this with high efficiency and minimal harm to the environment.

So, the remains of the toner are exposed to thermal influence (at 1000 0 С). Such a high temperature ensures complete decomposition of the source of harmful substances with the formation of new non-toxic. Plastic parts are granulated (mechanically crushed), and then melted, and then used as recyclable materials. The video shows how from the impact of the hammers of the crusher the cartridge crumbles into small parts and the powder scatters on the walls of the hopper.

Recycling used cartridges is a significant contribution to a green environment.

Read More: Toner cartridge refill