We know that the cost of HP ink is too high. We know that Lexmark and Dell will sell you a printer at a very low price and then charge you around $60 to replace both cartridges. We know that when measured in cost per ounce, printer ink is one of the most expensive things around (more expensive than 1985 Dom Perignon, according to the BBC). We know that it takes a pretty significant amount of oil to manufacture ink and toner cartridges. We know that hundreds of millions of cartridges are thrown out every year - estimates range from 200-350 million.

We know all these things because we are supposed to know them. This is our industry so we’d better know them. But not everybody is aware of all these facts, which is why it is good that articles like this appear every so often.

The article does a good job showing both the monetary and the environmental benefits of using refilled or remanufactured cartridges. It brings up important facts like the ones we mentioned above, while also noting things like this:

And there’s really no need to throw them out. Laser toner cartridges are reusable, and most inkjet cartridges can also be refilled and reused a half-dozen times or more.

The printer manufacturers try to discourage this, by issuing dire warnings of the risks of using other inks in their printers, frequently changing the cartridge technology and even taking remanufacturers and refillers to court.

They are correct with both statements. There is really no reason to throw away inkjet or laser cartridges, even if you have no interest in refilling them yourself. You can always find some way to recycle them, either through some type of recycling fundraiser at a local school or just by dropping it off at Staples. Also, they are correct in saying that the printer manufacturers do whatever they can to discourage people from using anything but their products. They used to threaten that using refilled products would void your warranty, but they seem to have backed off that in recent times. These days they just tout the superiority of their cartridges and find different ways to say that anything else is just not as awesome.

Refill, don’t replace [The Seattle Times]