How To Properly Dispose Of A Copier Or Printer

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

Increasing by about 8 percent per year, electronic waste, or e-waste, is the fastest growing segment of the US waste stream.  Contributing to the problem is the fact that less than 10 percent of electronics such as printers, copiers, and fax machines are recycled - the remaining 90 percent end up in incinerators or landfills where their harmful toxins can then cause harm to your health.  Instead of allowing these chemicals (including mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and selenium) enter the air or water supply, consider these alternatives.

Donate Your Old Copier or Printer

One alternative to throwing out your old printer or copy machine is to donate it to a school, non-profit organization, or low-income community.  This is an excellent option if the copier or printer is still in good working order and you are simply replacing it with a newer model.  You will keep the copier/printer and all its toxins out of the landfill, and the organization you donate it to will surely appreciate it. Additionally, donating your used equipment to a school or non-profit organization can help you qualify you for tax deductions.  Most non-profits will provide a donation receipt for tax purposes if you request it (but keep a record of what you donated and to whom just in case).

Check Recycles.org for a full list of schools, organizations, and non-profit businesses that accept donations of electronics.

Manufacturer Take-Back

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

Find a Licensed Disposal Facility

Last but not least is the option of finding a government licensed electronics disposal facility.  These companies will dispose of your copier machine, printer, or fax machine in an environmentally safe way that will meet your legal obligations and also achieve the maximum environmental benefit of disposal. Generally a disposal facility will take printers or copy machines such as Canon copymachines or Toshiba copy machines and dismantle them into their composite materials which can then be recycled and entered back into the manufacturing process, thereby helping the environment and preserving natural resources.

Whatever option you choose, just remember to recycle or refurbish your copy machine or printer - don't let it end up in the landfill!

Correct-Tek Copier Service

1514 E. Waverly Ct.

Arlington Heights, IL 60004 US

Tel: 847-398-5212

Mobile: 847-398-5212

Email: ctcopier@sbcglobal.net

Web: http://www.ctcopier.com/

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Buyer's Guide To Copier Machines

Copier machines today do not just copy documents; they now offer different features such as scanning, faxing as well as printing.  As machines becomes more advanced, it is hard to decide which machine would suit your needs.  Knowing the important features that the company needs however, can change that and make it easier to find the right copier.

That being said, to find the copier machine that would suit your needs, you must have a checklist or a guideline about the type of machine you need as well as other considerations such as budget, purpose and where you will be placing your new copier.

Analog Copier

If you are on a tight budget and would only need the most basic photocopying services, then an analogue copier machine would suit you.  Analog copiers are more affordable compared to color and digital machines.  Copies made can be of good quality depending on the brand and specifications of the machine that you would buy.

Digital Copier

On the other hand, if you want more functionality but have a limited a budget, a digital photocopying machine is your best option.  Digital photocopying machines usually come with two or three features such as fax and print features in one unit.  They are a bit more expensive than the basic copier but are slightly lower in price than a color copier.  Digital copiers are stable, cleaner running, and produce less noise than the analog ones and the printing quality is better.

Colored Copier

If you want the latest features combined with functionality and budget is not an issue, then a colored copier is the best machine for you.  Colored units are also preferred for advertising companies or those that specialize in fliers, brochures or magazines and ad campaigns.

The multi-functional copiers can be a real ROI for the company.  These machines include three or four functions such as scanning, printing, faxing and photocopying in one unit and they are ideal for big companies who require all the functions.  Some multi-function copiers include only two or three functions and are cheaper compared to a four- or five-in-one multi-function copier.

Purchasing your Copier

Now that you have a basic overview of the different types of copiers, the next thing to do is to check the size of the copier.  Do consider the location of the copier.  Will you place it on top of a table or in a corner as a standalone?  Shop around to compare prices.  There are several brands that you can choose from. Examples of brands are Canon copiers, Ricoh,Toshiba, Sharp and Xerox.  Refurbished copiers are also available; they are cheaper and the best buys if you are not a heavy user.

Correct-Tek Copier Service

1514 E. Waverly Ct.

Arlington Heights, IL 60004 US

Tel: 847-398-5212

Mobile: 847-398-5212

Email: ctcopier@sbcglobal.net

Web: http://www.ctcopier.com/

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The Environmental Impact of Buying Refurbished Copiers

"Going green" seems to be a very common trend these days.  From household cleaning products to the car sitting in your driveway to the recycling bin at your grocery store; almost every product has a way to help preserve the environment.  Did you know though, that you can take this a step further and keep your office green as well?  Buying refurbished copiers can help save money, natural resources, raw materials, and help protect the environment.

Buying a refurbished copy machine means that you're eliminating the need for new raw materials for a new machine.  This helps preserve the natural resources that are necessary in the manufacturing of the plastics, metals, and chemicals in the ink and toner.  The natural resources that are preserved in the manufacturing process alone are reason enough to consider buying a refurbished copy machine

Copiers can also have power save modes or sleep features.  This is very similar to when your computer goes to sleep after a period of inactivity.  The copiers will go through the same process, shutting down unnecessary programs in order to save electricity.  This not only puts money back in your pocket, but also helps cut down on your company's carbon footprint.  Looking for the "Energy Star" logo on your refurbished copier is a wonderful way to make sure that your copier has been endorsed by the government's energy saving programs.

Even simply buying ink and toner cartridges and refilling them after they've run empty can help lessen the impact on the environment.  This process will provide the same benefits that buying the refurbished copier will: lessen the use of natural resources during the manufacturing process, and reducing the need for raw materials.

Refurbished copiers also help keep the materials out of landfills.  Copiers and ink and toner cartridges are composed of elements and chemicals that take hundreds of years to completely decompose in a landfill.  Buying a refurbished copier can help reduce the pollution from the landfill.

Refurbished copiers are a wonderful way to help reduce the impact on the environment.  Even big brands like Canon copiers, Ricoh copiers, and Toshiba copiers can be refurbished to help keep your office Eco-friendly.  So if you need to help keep your office green, why not buy a refurbished copier? From preserving natural resources, cutting down on raw materials, and reducing the energy costs, refurbished copiers are a wonderful way to help protect our environment.

Correct-Tek Copier Service

1514 E. Waverly Ct.

Arlington Heights, IL 60004 US

Tel: 847-398-5212

Mobile: 847-398-5212

Email: ctcopier@sbcglobal.net

Web: http://www.ctcopier.com/

Read more ...