How to Dispose of a Printer

One of my dad’s favorite things to do is work on cars. He's not a mechanic and never has been. He’s just a guy who likes to tinker with engines. One sunny Saturday afternoon when I was in high school, my dad was fiddling with his latest revival project when he asked if I wanted to go to the junkyard with him to look for a part he needed.

Laying eyes on the mountains and mountains of discarded rubble felt like walking into a totally different world. This moment gave me a special appreciation for the people who keep products out of junkyards and landfills.  

It’s the same when it comes to office equipment. Learning how to properly dispose of a printer and other office machinery will allow you to keep your equipment updated without contributing to the growing volume of global e-waste. Plus, it reduces your carbon footprint. Let’s explore how to help your business and the environment at the same time.

If you’re looking to update your current office equipment, head over to Impact’s store where you can get everything you need for your printing needs.  

Why Does Proper Printer Disposal Matter?

Knowing how to properly dispose of a printer is vital for businesses that regularly use office equipment. This is because, eventually, the printer with which your workspace is outfitted is going to run out of steam. When this happens, you don’t want to be stuck sitting on your hands, unsure of what to do with your old machine before it can be replaced.  

On top of keeping your business operations flowing smoothly, knowing how to properly dispose of your printer will:

• Keep you from adding to the growing volume of global e-waste. 
• Keep you out of the news cycle for unfriendly environmental practices.
• Help you avoid government fines from improper disposal tactics. 

“Printers contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury, which can leach into groundwater, causing significant environmental damage and health risks. In fact, it's estimated that electronic waste contributes to 70% of the toxic waste found in landfills.” 

You likely don’t want to poison your environment and I don’t know anyone who is a fan of being fined, so let’s take a look at your options for proper printer and other office equipment disposal.  

Options for Your Old Printer

When it’s time to dispose of your printer, you can’t simply throw it in the trash. Printers, office machines, and other electronics contain a variety of components that are quite toxic to the environment. If they end up in a landfill or are disposed of improperly, these toxins can leak into the soil and wreak havoc on the native ecosystem.  

Instead of pitching your old worn-down printer into the garbage bin, you’ll want to consider one of the following strategies for proper printer disposal with minimal environmental impact.  

When it comes time to responsibly dispose of your printer or other office equipment consider one of the following eco-friendly options:  

1. Recycle or Upcycle
2. Donate
3. Resell
4. Trade-In

How Often Should I Update My Printer Suite?  

As a general rule, business leaders should evaluate their printer suite every 3 to 5 years, though the exact timing depends on usage, technological advancements, and operational needs. High-volume businesses, such as legal firms or logistics companies, may need more frequent upgrades to prevent downtime.  

Signs that a replacement is necessary include excessive downtime, frequent breakdowns, and outdated security features that expose documents to risk. Additionally, outdated printers may lack modern connectivity, cloud integration, or energy efficiency, all of which influence productivity and cost-effectiveness.

Regular assessments—ideally conducted annually—help determine whether upgrading individual units or replacing the entire fleet is the best approach. Businesses embracing digital transformation should consider models with advanced workflow automation, secure print release, and sustainability features.

Leasing options or managed print services can also reduce upfront costs while ensuring access to the latest technology. Ultimately, leaders should weigh ongoing expenses, performance, and security against the cost of new investments to determine the best course of action.

A Note on E-Waste

Volatile and dangerous weather patterns are being reported all around the world and businesses are feeling increased pressure to deploy environmentally-friendly processes and operations.  

Learning how to dispose of printers and other office equipment properly is a step in the right direction. By developing a strategy for the e-waste that your organization creates, you’ll be able to avoid fines from governmental agencies and bad press other environmental groups of authority.  

Because e-waste has become so problematic, many states have created legislation specifically around proper disposal and recycling. As such, it’s vital that your organization adhere to these regulations, not just for the environment, but for your own best interest as well.  

A Few Final Words on Printer Recycling and Disposal  

We only have one earth, and it’s important that all of us do our best to support its health and keep it sustainable. Businesses have a major role to play in this story, and should prioritize eco-friendly policies and processes wherever is possible.  

By committing to an e-waste recycling strategy that addresses outdated office equipment, old technology, and any other electronic waste your organization may create, you’ll gain favor with the growing number of environmentally-conscious consumers, avoid fines, and ultimately end up with a more efficient operation on your hands.  

Keep your office equipment up to date to avoid costly downtime caused by machine breakdowns. Browse Impact’s store for all your office equipment and printer needs.