Ink cartridge manufacturers such as Dell and Epson want you to buy new cartridges, after all this is what they sell, and it is where they make their money. Some manufacturers started to fit chips on the cartridges so you would be forced to always use one of their new cartridges. This is now changing. Hewlett Packard currently uses new and recycled parts in their new cartridges. Lexmark have a special line of re-manufactured cartridges you can use as a part of their collection programme, while IBM even has a range of re-manufactured cartridges specially made for Hewlett Packard laser printers. Printer cartridges are a great product to re-use and recycle. Jet Tec are able to reuse the empty cartridge and produce a new high quality cartridge.

Unfortunately the majority of used cartridges still end up as landfill, literally millions in countries all over the world. However, cartridge recycling has never been so easy: many companies offer free recycling services for empty laser toners and ink cartridges. Some even plant a tree for every box of cartridges you recycle! The services are available, people and companies just need to start utilising them.

Cartridge recycling enables new high quality cartridges to be produced from the empty ones. This uses up to 80% less energy and about 50% less oil. Any empty cartridges or parts that cannot be reused can be broken down to their raw materials and recycled.

Another alternative for ink cartridges is to reuse them yourself. This can be achieved with Jet Tec refill kits. They work by enabling you to inject new ink into your old printer cartridges. Whilst this can offer substantial savings, it is not everyone's cup of tea as it can be time-consuming and sometimes a little tricky.

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Article by UK Ink Supplies, based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire stock an extensive range of printer ink cartridges and laser toner printer cartridges.  For more information visit UK Ink Supplies for the latest Jet Tec ink cartridges, laser toners and other digital media products for your Dell printer. Article posted 11th February 2011.