Inkjet cartridges are extremely expensive, and more than a billion ink jet cartridges are thrown away in landfills each year (1). Did you know that these little [expensive] devices can be refilled? Since you are not buying the digital, mechanical, or moving parts inside the cartridge, the costs are already cut in half — even more, you just aren’t getting stabbed by the manufacturer.
This last week, I brought the HP Officejet’s black inkjet cartridge to Costco for a refill. After writing my name and a phone number I could be contacted by, handing the Costco card over, and paying $10.80 (yes, really, ten dollars and eighty cents) I was told “come back in five minutes and pick up your cartridges”. (They weren’t busy that day.. you should really have
It was really that easy. And the printing was great.
One tip: Don’t put your cartridge in a plastic bag. Use a letter-size envelope and make sure the head is not touching anything. When you go to get your cartridges refilled, they will give you a little plastic cover to put over the head — keep this for your return trip.
The quality of refill centers vary, though I would say Costco is your best bet it is not possible for everyone to go to Costco. For more information about Costco cartridge refills, visit here:
Inkjet411.com is an educational resource to teach people about reusing cartridges, including Frequently Asked Questions and how to take care of “Low Ink Level” warnings. I highly recommend checking it out before you refill so you know exactly what is involved.
Sources: (Yeah, really.)
1. “Your Inkjet Cartridge Refill Resource.” Inkjet 411. Inkjet 411. Web. 18 July 2010. <http://www.inkjet411.com/>.
