While you may be tempted to simply toss your rundown and broken copy machines into the garbage bin to be hauled away in the weekly trash pick-up, that’s neither the legal way nor the environmentally-friendly way to dispose of broken copy machines. Copy machines literally take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. Add to that startling reality the fact that as they slowly decompose, they release toxic chemicals. These toxins are harmful to both the land and the water, and you’ll instantly rethink your initial plan. Here are some safe, legal, and easy alternatives for disposing of broken copy machines.
Turn It Into a Learning Experience for the Local School Kids
Call your local school district and inquire about their process for accepting donated equipment. Surely any of the district’s science, computer, or automotive teachers will readily embrace the opportunity. They will want to have their students garner hands-on, real-world experience by dismantling your copy machines. This will allow them to explore their components and discover how they function. Be sure to keep a record of your donation so that you can use it for tax savings.
Give It Back to the Manufacturer (or Your Local Office Equipment Dealer)
Your copy machine might still be able to be returned to the original manufacturer or the company where you purchased it even though its broken. If they can’t fix it and resell it, they’ll know how to dispose of it properly. If you purchased it from a local office equipment dealership, they’ll probably even send a truck over to pick up. You wouldn’t have to worry about how you are going to get it back to their location.
Locate a Certified Electronic Waste Recycling Center Near You
There are special e-waste centers throughout each state that focus specifically on recycling copy machines and other types of electronic gizmos and gadgets. Its mandatory that they sign the official “Electronic Recycler’s Pledge of True Stewardship” agreement. Working with an authentic electronic recycler, gives you piece of mind in knowing that your old copy machines have not left a negative footprint on the planet. While doing your due diligence to locate a genuine recycling company that specializes in accepting and recycling electronics, you might also inquire whether or not they accept your old copier toner cartridges. If they don’t, chances are they can direct you to another recycling company that does.
Contact Your Local Sanitation Department
If you can’t find an official e-waste recycling center near you or a place to donate the copy machines, call the sanitation department in the community where you operate your business (and where your broken copy machines are located). They’ll be able to tell you what to do with the copy machines. Often times, they’ll be able to pick up the copy machines on a specific date and deliver to a proper recycling facility. If they can’t do that personally for you, they might tell you where you can drop off the equipment yourself. This is usually at a designated place and time in your community.
Your old copy machines might be of more value to someone else. In addition having them removed from your business and into the just right hands is utterly important. This is a practice that contributes to the well-being of the environment. If you still need help figuring out what to do with your broken copiers, contact us!
