A little thought about where your old printers and copiers end up goes a long way for the planet. Like other forms of electronic waste (e-waste), these devices contain harmful materials that can leach into the soil and water, posing significant environmental and health risks.
This guide will go through the best practices for getting rid of old printers and copiers in Melbourne, ensuring you handle your e-waste effectively and uphold sustainable business practices.
How to dispose of a printer or copier
Donate your old equipment
If your old photocopiers or printers are still in good working condition or could be salvaged, consider donating them to local schools, nonprofits, or small businesses that could benefit from the tech. This action not only extends the life of the equipment but also supports community initiatives and reduces waste.
Sell or trade-in for a new model
For equipment that may still hold value, selling or trading it in can be a good option. This can help offset the cost of new purchases and is especially practical for businesses looking to upgrade their office technology.
If your equipment is relatively new or refurbishable, particularly from reputable brands like Toshiba, Kyocera, or Sharp, we may be interested in buying it. So long as they meet our high standards for refurbishment.
Recycle through approved facilities
Photocopier or printer recycling is the best option for disposal, especially for devices that are no longer functional. Start by checking with the printer manufacturer. Some of the major brands offer recycling or buy-back options.
Melbourne also has several facilities and programs that specialise in e-waste recycling. These facilities ensure that all components, such as plastics, metals, and hazardous substances, are properly handled and recycled. For home printers, your local council may have hard rubbish and e-waste pick-ups.
Where to recycle old printers in Melbourne:
Following the Victorian Government’s ban on e-waste in landfills effective from 1 July 2019, recycling has become not only environmentally essential but also legally required. To comply with regulations and ensure responsible recycling, consider the following Melbourne-based facilities and programs:
- PlanetArk provides a comprehensive list of drop-off locations for office e-waste across Victoria.
- TechCollect accepts various e-waste items, including printers and copiers.
Use Copysonic’s eco-compliant disposal service
For businesses that have purchased or leased equipment from us, we offer an eco-friendly disposal service. We partner with E-Cycle Solutions and PFM Logistics, a reputable transport company, to ensure your old device reaches a certified e-waste recycler.
E-Cycle Solutions is a fully compliant administrator of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, guaranteeing responsible and environmentally friendly disposal of your device.
What to do before getting rid of an old printer or copier
Remove all consumables
This includes any remaining paper, toner, and ink cartridges. Toner and ink can often be recycled separately through manufacturer take-back programs or the same local recycling facilities that will take your device.
Clear any stored data
Perform a factory reset or follow the manufacturer’s instructions to wipe any data from the hard drive (if your printer or copier has one). This step is crucial for security and to protect sensitive information that may be stored on the device.
Depending on the level of security required and the wipe-capability of your device, you may need to seek further guidance. Feel free to consult with us at Copysonic or reach out to the manufacturer for detailed advice. In cases where data security is paramount, it might be necessary to have the hard drive professionally destroyed to guarantee that no residual data can be recovered.
Choosing a sustainable printer for your next purchase
When it’s time to replace your old office equipment, consider energy-efficient models. Look for certifications like Energy Star, which identifies devices that meet strict energy-saving criteria.
At Copysonic, we offer a range of printers and photocopiers that are not only energy-efficient but also designed with environmental sustainability in mind. Choose from our flexible leasing options or purchase an expertly refurbished device.
Newer models offer advanced features like automatic duplexing to reduce paper usage, energy-saving modes to minimise power consumption, toner-saving settings to extend consumable life, and digital document management options.
Ready to upgrade your office equipment sustainably?
If you’re ready to dispose of your old printers and photocopiers and upgrade to new, environmentally friendly models, Copysonic is here to help.
Contact us today to explore our range of sustainable office equipment and take advantage of our comprehensive recycling services.
