HOW IT WORKS
Basically, you collect empty inkjet and laser cartridges by whatever method, and to whatever extent, you choose. When you think you have collected the minimum value ($ 50.00) of eligible cartridges, fill in the form here. If the shipment is more than $50, you will immediately be issued a reference #. You then pack and ship the cartridges regular parcel post (or in certain cases, Greyhound Bus collect). When I receive them, I issue a cheque for the value of the cartridges plus anything you paid for shipping.
WHERE DO WE FIND EMPTY CARTRIDGES?
From your school families, from volunteers, from local businesses, from computer and office supply stores. The latter seems surprising, but collection boxes placed at stores that sell new cartridges is also a good location. They do this in exchange for the goodwill (and potential business) they receive.
WHAT ARE WE PAID? AND WHEN?
The current value per cartridge, plus your shipping costs. The value depends on the cartridge type. This may not sound like a lot, but there are thousands and thousands of computer printers out there. You are paid after receipt and inspection of the cartridges, usually in four to six weeks time. Shipping costs are paid only for regular Canada Post or bus and are paid only if you ship the minimum value of eligible cartridges.
SOME CARTRIDGES ON THE ELIGIBLE CARTRIDGE LIST ARE VALUED AT $ 0. WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT ?
These cartridges are accepted by me, and shipping is paid. However, their value on the recycling market is so small (usually under $1.00) that, after shipping is paid from you to me, and later from The Inkwell to the recycler, there is nothing left. I pay the shipping on these to encourage recycling. Cartridges not on the list, or ones that specify "do not ship", should never be sent in. You are welcome to call me to check on a cartridge that is not on the list.
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THESE CARTRIDGES?
They are sorted, tested, and sold on the international market to companies that remanufacture them. This way, they are kept out of our landfills. Most inkjets can be remanufactured 5 or 6 times, if done right, lasers can be recycled indefinitely.
IT LOOKS LIKE A LOT OF BOTHER
The groups that participate say no. Once set up, it becomes automatic. You need only remind people once in a while. A mention in every newsletter is invaluable. People get in the habit of keeping the cartridges for you. Parents bring cartridges home from their place of business. The students then bring the cartridges to the school. If you have a donating business that none of your parents work at, a volunteer can go around every couple of months to empty the collection box. Businesses are eager to help out their local schools. It is just good public relations. ( Don’t forget to thank them ! )
WHO DOES THE WORK?
Environmental Club. Volunteers. Administrators. Parent Councils. Volunteer parents. School principal. Vice principal. Senior students. School secretary. Teachers. A certain class. Student council. PTA.
MORE SPECIFIC TIPS
Mention it in your newsletter. All the time. Mention the names of businesses who donate regularly. Mention your top collectors.
Place collection boxes in local businesses with your school or charity's name on the box. Send a thank you note to the business and/or encourage your parents to frequent the businesses that are donating. Computer and office supply stores are excellent places to put collection boxes. Any business that sells new inkjet cartridges will have empties.
The area where the students / parents / donators bring the cartridges should be highly visible and near any "blue-box" programs you are running. This is, remember, a very environmentally-friendly activity. These cartridges are made from industrial grade plastic and any thrown in the garbage now will still be in the landfill a 1000 years from now.
The Inkwell
Jim Mackey
75 Danby Road
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
P6B 5X4
Telephone (1-705-759-1096)
