Instead of throwing away your used and empty printer ink cartridges, you have options for recycling and reusing them—including ways to pay you with a little cash.
We’ll show you three ways to convert a used cartridge to cash, and a fourth way to save money by eliminating printer cartridges altogether. First, though, a quick word from one of our favorite longtime sponsors, Epson EcoTank. Without their support, we would not be able to share this content with you.
Kiss expensive cartridges goodbye! Find the Epson EcoTank printer at your nearest Best Buy, Office Depot or Office Max and online at Epson.com/EcoTankKim.
1. Sell Used Printer Cartridges
As the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” In this case, it is true. You can actually sell those annoying, empty ink cartridges for real cash. This is right. It turns out that empty cartridges are welcome on various buying and selling platforms such as eBay. Tap or click here to learn more.
Here’s what you need to do: Start by posting a detailed description that includes the cartridge’s model number, color, and brand. Be sure to post clear photos that show the cartridges. You might make a few bucks off just one cartridge, but the key to making it worthwhile is to sell in bulk to get around shipping costs.
2. Turn Empty Cartridges to Supply Shops
If you want to make money in person rather than online, large office supply stores like Staples and OfficeMax often recycle empty ink cartridges and even offer a rewards program. You can get a $2 store credit for each cartridge supplied. You can replace up to 10 cartridges per month, which comes to $20 per month. Not bad, huh?
Since this is a store rewards program, you must first be a member or have an account with that specific store. Once the cartridge is activated, money is credited to your account which can be used for your next purchase. Imagine making money while saving the planet at the same time.
3. Try a Cartridge Buy-Back Site
Some websites will even buy empty cartridges from you. And they are actually willing to pay quite well for them. Sites like NeedImpty, UseryCycleInc and Evolve Recycling will mail you a check if the balance exceeds a certain amount. This amount varies from site to site, but they pay more for a laser printer cartridge.
4. Get a printer that doesn’t require a cartridge and save!
If you want to protect yourself completely hassle-free, you should seriously consider investing in a printer that doesn’t require any cartridges. Printers like the Epson EcoTank series come with large ink tank reservoirs that can be easily refilled when they run out.
One set of replacement bottles equals about 80 different cartridges. This saves you precious time and money in the long run, which is never a bad thing.
Kiss expensive cartridges goodbye! Find the Epson EcoTank printer at your nearest Best Buy, Office Depot or Office Max and online at Epson.com/EcoTankKim.
