When your copy motorcar or printer finally bites the dust or is replaced with a new model, you may be wondering what to do with your old machine. Many people actually don't know that these machines contain materials that can pollute the earth, and incorrect disposal of them is incredibly hazardous to the environment. Read on to learn how to properly dispose of a copier or printer.

At an increase of nearly eight per centum per twelvemonth, electronic waste, or e-waste, is the fastest growing segment of the U.S. waste material stream. Contributing to the trouble is the fact that less than 10 percent of electronics such every bit printers, fax machines, etc. are recycled – the remaining xc percent end upward in incinerators or landfills where their harmful toxins are release into the temper and can and then cause damage to your health. Instead of allowing these chemicals (including mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and selenium) to enter our air or h2o supply, consider the following alternatives:

Donate Your Erstwhile Copier or Printer

One alternative to throwing out your old copy machine is to donate it to a schoolhouse, not-turn a profit system, or low-income community. This is an excellent option if the copier or printer is still in proficient working order and you are but replacing it with a newer model. You will go on the unit of measurement and all its toxins out of the landfill, and the arrangement you donate information technology to will surely appreciate it. Additionally, donating your used equipment to a school or non-profit system can help y'all qualify for tax deductions. Well-nigh non-profits volition provide a donation receipt for revenue enhancement purposes if you request information technology (but continue a record of what you donated and to whom, just in instance).

Cheque world wide web.recycles.org for a full list of schools, organizations, and non-turn a profit businesses that accept donations of electronics.

Manufacturer Take-Back

If altruistic your copiers or printers is not an option, check with the manufacturer of the machine. Many companies now have 'accept-back' programs in place for recycling e-waste such every bit non-working copiers and printers. This option not simply keeps the hazardous materials from your machines out of the landfill, but it allows the manufacturer to reuse many resources from the auto such as raw materials and heavy metals.

Find a Licensed Disposal Facility

Concluding but not least is the option of finding a government licensed electronics disposal facility. These companies will dispose of your copy motorcar, printer, or fax machine in an environmentally safe manner that will see your legal obligations and achieve the maximum environmental benefit of disposal. Generally a disposal facility will accept printers or copy machines such equally Canon copy machines or Toshiba re-create car and dismantle them into their blended materials which can then be recycled and entered back into the manufacturing process, thereby helping the surround and preserving natural resources.

Whatever choice yous choose, what'south most important is that you cull to recycle or refurbish your copy machine or printer – don't let it cease upwardly in the landfill!