Eventually your office equipment including printers and copiers will either breakdown or need to be upgraded. There are many options for finding a replacement and many dealers will help you along with the process of choosing the best products for your needs. However, the decision of what to do with the old equipment is usually not given much attention. With current environmental concerns, you should consider options that can keep them from ending up in landfills. Here are a couple of options and their benefits.
Donation
Schools, nonprofits, and low-income communities will accept used equipment that is in working conditions. Donations can really help out these organizations with limited budgets. It’s also possible to boost your public image and you will likely quality for a tax deduction. Make sure to get a donation receipt and you should be able to deduct the un-depreciated value of the donated equipment. The following places are a great source for finding places to donate your old machine: Recycles.org, TechSoup, Cristina Foundation.
Manufacturer take-back programs
It’s possible that your copy machine’s manufacturer has a take-back program in place. With a little research on the web, including Plug-In to eCycling Partners and myGreenElectronics, you can find out if your manufacturer has a collection or recycling program. Then contact them to find out if they’ll accept your machine for reuse or recycling.
E-waste Recycling programs
There are several organizations that can find a recycler to accept your old copy machine. Be sure to do your homework and make sure they’re a reputable company. Look for companies that have a signed the Electronic Recycler’s Pledge of True Stewardship, which includes strict criteria for sustainable and socially just electronics recycling. You can use the following sites to find recycling companies in your area: Basel Action Network, E-cycling Central, Earth 911’s, EPR2 Project.
Find a Licensed Disposal Facility
There are government licensed electronics disposal facilities for copy machines, printers, and fax machines. They dispose of them in environmentally safe ways that meet legal obligations for your company and achieve the maximum environmental benefit of disposal. They break down machines so the composite materials can be recycled and entered back into the manufacturing process. This easily ensures preservation of natural resources and reduces waste in landfills.
