Recycling toner cartridges is easy and can save money. However, it may void the manufacturer’s warranty in some places. Refilling kits are available, but caution must be taken to avoid making a mess or inhaling harmful toner. Cartridges can be refilled multiple times, but the drum should only be used once or twice.
Recycling toner cartridges is not only good for the environment; it’s quite simple to do. Many outlets that sell toner will not only take the used cartridge out of your hand, but will also offer you a price cut on a new cartridge to trade in the old one. The old cartridge is then refilled and sold at a discount.
It is important to note that while the equipment is new and covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, the use of recycled toner cartridges in some jurisdictions may void the manufacturer’s warranty. In the US, this is prohibited. The use of recycled toner cartridges is prohibited by federal law by voiding the manufacturer’s warranty of the machine in which such cartridges are used. In places not protected by these rules, many people start recycling toner cartridges after the warranty has expired.
Toner cartridges are made up of complex parts that wear out with use, so the number of times a particular type of cartridge can be refilled is limited. When recycling toner cartridges, the dealer is likely to ask if the cartridge has been previously refilled.
For those with a modicum of skill and interest, kits are available that allow you to refill your own toner cartridges. This makes toner cartridge recycling very convenient and cost-effective. Toner refill kits vary by cartridge type. Most kits come with basic instructions and the toner is usually packaged in a plastic bottle.
When refilling a toner cartridge, it may be necessary to melt a small “fill hole” into the cartridge shell. A soldering iron can be used for this. Drills are to be avoided, as they force pieces of ground plastic into the toner chamber. The toner is poured through the filling hole, which is then closed with tape.
When recycling toner cartridges, if the cartridge has been refilled more than a few times, it may be desirable to add only a portion of toner instead of filling the entire chamber. If the cartridge fails, you will have lost less toner.
In most cases, laser printer cartridges come with a built-in drum. Over time, the drum wears out, leaving marks on blank areas of the page. The general rule is that a drum cartridge can only be refilled once or twice. If you’re recycling toner cartridges by refilling your own, you can use the drum as long as it’s working well, which could extend well beyond two refills.
Toner can be very messy if handled incorrectly, ruining your clothes, carpet or furniture. It’s also harmful to inhale, and many types of toners are considered dangerous. If you refill your own toner cartridges, take precautions and store refill kits out of the reach of children and pets.
Recycling toner cartridges extends the life of countless cartridges that would otherwise be discarded prematurely. While it bears repeating that new equipment under warranty requires new toner cartridges, spent cartridges can still be traded in.
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