How can old copier machines be recycled?
The proper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) should be a top priority for any business owner or manager. It’s the law and the ethical thing to do, especially in light of the many environmental regulations that have come into effect over the past few years.
On November 5, 2021, the National Environmental Waste Act’s extended producer responsibility regulations took effect. In accordance with the new regulations, producers, importers and factories will now be held liable for the disposal of their products after their useful life has ended. Consumers’ reliance on electronic devices has led to a surge in demand for the sector, and the new regulations are expected to have a significant impact on the market.
Currently, the recycling rate for used electronics in South Africa is anywhere between 10% and 12%. Compliance with the rules is anticipated to boost the recycling and collection rates.
Disposal procedures and policies for old copiers, monitors, and other electronic equipment should be established. Disposal must be factored into IT asset lifecycle planning in order to handle obsolescence and disposal in a methodical fashion. In order to keep track of when and how much old equipment is replaced, there needs to be a system in place.
There are several reasons why proper photocopier disposal is critical. Copy machines are made with a variety of substances and components that can be toxic to the environment and human health. These substances include heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium, as well as brominated flame retardants (also known as polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs), which are extremely dangerous if inhaled.
When copy machines are thrown away in the wrong way and end up in landfills, they release these and other pollutants into the air as they break down over time.
It’s also worth noting that most current photocopiers have hard drives where information can be saved. The sensitive information contained in photocopiers that have been thrown away without going through a copier recycling process is a veritable gold mine for hackers and data miners. If the technician is competent enough, they may be able to recover data from a hard drive that has been reformatted or from which data has been wiped.
This article will show you how to dispose of unused printers in a way that won’t cause any more clutter in your workplace, without causing harm to the environment.
How to dispose of unused Printers Properly
Find a licensed professional disposal entity
The disposal of any electrical or electronic waste in South African landfills is prohibited by law. Businesses must therefore make partnerships with authorised recyclers of electronic trash. These businesses will safely dispose of your equipment by dismantling it, sorting out the recyclable parts, and reusing them in new products. They often collect the waste from you.
Returns to the manufacturer
If your copier breaks down and you can’t find a new home for it, many manufacturers offer take-back programmes. If you go this route, not only will your machines’ hazardous materials be spared from the landfill, but the manufacturer will be able to reclaim and reuse a wide variety of resources, including raw materials and heavy metals. Make sure you check with them beforehand to ensure they are willing to take your equipment. Some devices may not be eligible for recycling through these companies’ take-back initiatives.
Donate the copier
Donating your used copier to a local school or charity will help them make ends meet. Don’t give money before you’ve called or written to make sure the copier is in working order. There are often strict regulations in place about how donations are handled, and you should adhere to these. Do not forget to document your copier donation for tax purposes, as this act of kindness may also qualify as a tax write-off. You may improve your brand’s standing in the neighbourhood in this way as well.
Sell your copier
There are a number of methods to make money off of used photocopiers, provided they are in working order. Post ads on online marketplaces and classifieds to sell your copier. In order to sell your copier in your immediate area, you should either place an ad on Facebook or join relevant Facebook groups where such transactions are discussed. Though these meet-ups tend to grow crowded, they are a great place to unload your surplus of used photocopiers. You can recoup at least some of your initial investment by selling your broken or obsolete photocopiers to recycling centres or repair businesses. Although selling old printers can be a hassle at times, it can be an excellent method to save money for a new printer.
Steer clear of potential purchasers who tell you they want to overpay, who want you to wire money, or who want to handle the sale in any other peculiar manner. It could be possible that these methods are tied to some sort of swindle.
