Dead Printer? What do to?

How environmentally responsible are you in your business? We’re used to reduce, reuse and recycle at home but what about your business?

When my printer died I didn’t want to just throw it out and have it end up in landfill.

According to Planet Ark Australians are some of the largest consumers of tech in the world and nearly 5 million computers every year. Add to that accessories like printers, and mobile phones, and this makes electronic waste or e-waste a growing problem.

I did a search for “what to do with old printers” and found this brilliant site: Recycling Near You – I just popped in my postcode and a list of places came up that take computers and accessories for recycling including Council-run waste transfer stations and local businesses. I gave our local business a call to check and they said just stick the printer in the bin out the back and the TechCollect people come and empty the bin regularly! From the site:

TechCollect is a free national recycling service for computers, computer accessories and TVs (e-waste), established by Australia and New Zealand Recycling Platform (ANZRP) in response to the Federal Government’s National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS).  It is the only not-for-profit industry-backed e-waste recycling service approved under the Scheme.

TechCollect is funded and supported by many of the world’s leading computer and TV companies, many of whom are already leaders in corporate social responsibility and global product stewardship.  TechCollect partners with local councils and waste management organisations across Australia to provide its service to households and businesses.

So next time you need to upgrade or replace worn out computers and peripherals, don’t forget TechCollect and the Recycling Near You site! Your local Post Office will also take old mobile phones and batteries, as well as used printer cartridges.

© Lyn Prowse-Bishopwww.execstress.com