Tip o’ the Day: Ask for a Refill
Printer ink cartridges can get pricey and are often times over packaged. While more and more printer manufacturers are instigating easy cartridge take back programs for empties, another option to consider is getting an ink refill.
Small companies are popping up all over that will refill your empty printer cartridge for a much lower price than if you were to buy a brand new cartridge, with the same print quality. However, the issue of refilling ink and toner cartridges is a hot button with printer manufacturers as these small refill operations are taking a share of new sales away from the big corporations. This has led to serious legal battles, but has also led to innovations in take-back programs and cartridge technologies.
To avoid the refill scenario for example, many printer manufacturers are fighting back by putting in smart technology to 'trick' the cartridge into thinking it is still empty even after it has been refilled. In response, small refill operations have developed a reset device that will override the manufacturers 'trick'. This constant back and forth is leading the big printing giants to rethink the way they approach the printer cartridge and adding incentive for the small businesses to fight for greater consumer benefits in this area.
Another way to save on ink is to think before you print. Utilize that print preview function on your computer (you know, that option you can choose to see how the document is laid out before you print it). Think about what you are printing. You may not need to print out that forwarded e-mail joke or you might be able to write down an address or phone number on a scrap piece of paper rather than printing. This will not only save printer ink but will also reduce the use of paper.
If you choose to go the refill route, make sure to ask what the guarantee or quality policy is. Otherwise when you're cartridge is empty don't toss it. Find out what the manufacturer's take back plan is on their website.
Amy says: I currently don't own a printer and I find I don't really miss it. I write down directions, confirmation codes and store documents in PDF form on my computer. For those rare occasions when I do need to print I'll go to one of those copy centers or ask a friend.
Tags: Computers and Internet, Daily Tips, Home and Garden, ink cartridge, printers, recycling, refill, toner
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June 18th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
I recently purchased a laser printer that prints on both sides of the paper. I did some quick math and determined that at the somewhat small rate that I print, it would be cheaper for me to buy a new laser printer with a (by definition) long-lasting toner.
Now I only print color items on my ink jet printer. And when I do, I will use the low-ink settings, which laser printers also have.
As much as I am trying to reduce printing altogether, I still find the need to print some things. Duplexing reduces overall paper, and I save paper I printed on one side to print drafts on the back.
mp/m
June 18th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
I print very rarely, and I’ve developed the habit of selecting the lowest quality option anytime I don’t need a better quality. For the rare occasion I print a picture I will use a higher quality, but most things really don’t need to be printed even at the moderate quality level.
Old paper goes to my kids as art supplies. My daughter gets frustrated by how rarely I let her print pictures to color, but she’s been given coloring books and can draw her own pictures, which I think works quite well.
I suppose with as rarely as I print, I could get away without a printer too. Then again, as my kids get further into their school careers I have no doubt my printing needs will increase.
June 19th, 2007 at 2:17 am
As you can imagine, a lot of paper passes over my desk and through my printers. Right when I got my trusty b/w laser, I found a great minimally-packaged refill kit that is still only half-used 3+ years later, with the original cartridge. For inkjet owners, though, I would recommend taking your refill to a pro; toner is easier to control than ink. I learned that lesson the hard way.
David
Founder and CEO
Green Options, LLC
June 19th, 2007 at 4:17 am
They are good at different things. Laser is great for printing B/W text while inkjet is good for coloured graphics printing.
If you print a lot of text, you can consider using a laser instead. That will save more than any inkjet refills could.
On the topic of refills, Canon Singapore had a huge radio campaign last year on how using “third party inks” would damage their printers and void any warranty. It is a scare tactic to persuade people to forsake the cheaper and more eco-friendly refills, and I think it has worked to some extent (unfortunately).
June 19th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
Many years ago I used to buy ink refill kits for my empty ink cartridges, but back then it was a [very] messy process, and you could be certain the print quality was no where near what it was using a new cartridge.
Obviously technology has changed and I’m sure refilling cartridges can prove to offer similar quality printing as an original cartridge, but I haven’t gone back down that path yet.
“In Canada, less than 5 percent of the 30 million cartridges used are actually recycled.” [Canadian Diabetes Association, Diabetes Recycle Ink]
There are many ink recycling programs available throughout North America, some even willing to compensate you for your empty cartridges. A quick search on the Internet should reveal several options in your area.
So, even if you prefer to purchase a new cartridge when it runs dry, don’t send the old one to the landfill - recycle it!