Okay! So you’re familiar with recycling codes, but now you may find yourself facing other questions. What can I do with old print cartridges? How can I properly and safely dispose of hazardous items?

Well, never fear. We at Kleiner Services have outlined what to do in these cases. Read below for east-to-handle tasks!

Recycling old print cartridge

It’s so easy to recycle batteries, electronics such as computers and laptops, and computer accessories such as storage devices and printers, but what about print cartridges?

It’s more challenging, but don’t worry! We’ve got your back with some suggestions on what to do with old or empty cartridges!

• You could get it refilled. Many major retailers will refill your cartridge(s) for you, or you could purchase DIY refill kits!
• You could recycle it, but if you want to keep your ecological footprint on the low end, it’s better to simply reuse your ink cartridge(s). But bear in mind that cartridges can be reused only a few times. It may cost more to refill your ink cartridges, but it would eliminate the need of new plastic being created. If it will work better for you then by all means refill your ink cartridges, but don’t forget to recycle these when it reaches the end of its life! Re-manufacturing plastic ink cartridges requires 80% less energy than creating new plastic

Properly and safely disposing hazardous items

Household hazardous waste  (HHW) is harmful for both your health and the environment’s. HHW includes car waxes and polishes, glues, hair colouring, nail polish remover, shoe polish, spa and pool chemicals, weed killers, windshield washer solution, and rechargeable batteries.

Household cleaners that are thought of as HHW include bleach, aerosol air fresheners, disinfectants, drain cleaners, fabric softeners, glass cleaners, etc. So it’s so crucial of how these items are disposed of. Read on for a number of easy steps on how to do so!

1. Never pour or flush HHW items down the drain. Doing so would end up with these entering the sewage system.
2. Find a depot near you to safely dispose of these items. Before even searching for and locating a nearby depot, do the following:

• Keep materials in their original containers, or clearly label the containers
• Do not mix different products together
• Tightly cap all containers

Alright so now you’ve got everything packed and ready to be transported to a depot! If you live within the Metro Vancouver area, feel free to use this database or the iPhone app. If you live outside of the Metro Vancouver, I recommend contacting your municipality or checking out their website for disposal options.

As well, the Recycling Council of British Columbia has information online, via their hotline at 604-RECYCLE (or 604-732-9253), or you could drop off certain HHW products at these depots.