The closure of in-store photo shops at Costco, following Walgreens’ earlier discontinuation of printer ink refill services, has left Ventura County residents, and many others, searching for alternatives. While these closures might seem like a minor inconvenience, they highlight a larger issue: how to sustainably manage printer ink consumption. If you’re wondering what to do now that your local Walgreens Printer Ink refill service is no longer an option, fear not. There are still several eco-conscious and budget-friendly ways to keep your printer running without harming the planet or your wallet.
Man's hands stained with ink after refilling printer cartridge
DIY Ink Refill Kits: A Hands-On Approach (Handle with Gloves!)
For the truly budget-conscious, refilling your own inkjet printer cartridges at home is still possible. DIY refill kits can be purchased online or at office supply stores for significantly less than the cost of a new cartridge. However, be warned: this method isn’t for the faint of heart, or those who dislike getting their hands dirty. As personal experience can attest, printer ink is notoriously messy. Disposable gloves are an absolute must.
Beyond the mess, another challenge is locating the correct fill hole on your cartridge. While some guides suggest rubbing the label to find it, many cartridges have multiple holes, and only one leads to the ink tank. You’ll need to carefully insert the filler needle into the sponge-covered ink tank, which requires a bit of precision and patience. If you’re detail-oriented and don’t mind a bit of a challenge (and potential mess), DIY refills can be a very economical option.
Remanufactured Cartridges: Reuse is the Name of the Game
If the idea of handling ink directly makes you shudder, remanufactured cartridges offer a cleaner and more reliable alternative. Remanufacturing is a comprehensive process that focuses on reusing existing cartridges, which is environmentally superior to both refilling and simply recycling.
Companies specializing in remanufacturing, like Planet Green, take empty cartridges and put them through a rigorous process. This includes disassembling the cartridge, temperature controlling the ink to prevent drying, replacing any worn or damaged parts, and even installing new smart chips when necessary. They then refill the cartridges to precise levels with ink formulas specifically matched to the cartridge type, adjust pressure, and seal them to prevent leaks. Finally, each cartridge is tested to ensure it meets the performance standards of original products and is packaged in vapor-resistant boxes.
Remanufactured cartridges typically cost around three-quarters of the price of a brand new cartridge, and companies like Planet Green even offer incentives for returning your used cartridges. Through their website, doorstepink.com, Planet Green provides free shipping labels for anyone sending in four or more cartridges. In return, they offer a 20% discount on the purchase of their remanufactured cartridges. This closed-loop system is a win-win for both your wallet and the environment.
However, it’s crucial to be aware of the difference between “remanufactured” and “compatible” cartridges. Sean Levi, CEO of Planet Green, cautions against cheap “compatible” cartridges, which are often single-use imports that cannot be refilled or remanufactured. For reliable performance and environmental responsibility, opting for “remanufactured” name-brand cartridges is the better choice.
Ink Cartridge Recycling Programs: Turning Waste into Rewards
For those who prefer not to refill or reuse, recycling your ink cartridges is another responsible option. Several major retailers offer recycling programs that provide rewards for your efforts.
Staples, for example, offers a $2 store coupon for each recycled cartridge, up to 10 cartridges per month. While this credit requires a minimum $30 spend on ink or toner within six months, it’s a good option for regular Staples shoppers. You can recycle cartridges in-store or request a mail-in shipping label.
Office Depot has a similar program, offering a $2 credit per cartridge with a lower qualifying purchase of just $10, although the purchase must be made in the same month. Best Buy provides a $2 saving on your next ink purchase of $40 or more, or toner purchase of $100 or more, when you recycle with them.
These recycling programs ensure that the plastic and metal components of your used cartridges are repurposed into new products, diverting waste from landfills. While reuse through remanufacturing is generally considered more environmentally beneficial, recycling is still a significant step in the right direction.
Don’t Forget Surplus Cartridges: Cash for Unused Ink
If you’ve recently upgraded your printer and have a stock of unused ink cartridges still in their sealed packaging, don’t just throw them away. Companies like Galaxy Surplus in Ojai specialize in buying surplus and liquidation cartridges. While inkjet cartridges have a shelf life of around three years, laser toner cartridges do not expire, making them potentially valuable even if you no longer have the printer. Contacting a surplus buyer could put some cash back in your pocket while preventing perfectly good cartridges from going to waste.
Conclusion: Sustainable Printing is Still Achievable
While the discontinuation of Walgreens printer ink refill services and Costco’s photo shop closures may seem like a step backward for eco-conscious printing, it’s important to remember that numerous sustainable alternatives remain. Whether you choose the hands-on approach of DIY refills, the reliability of remanufactured cartridges, or the responsible recycling programs offered by retailers, there are plenty of ways to reduce your environmental impact and save money on printer ink. By exploring these options, you can continue printing responsibly without compromising quality or convenience.
