Printer at Home: What You Should Know About Ink Cartridges

Have you ever stopped to consider just how great ink cartridges are? Probably not! In reality, most of us buy, install, remove, and bin these little plastic pots and never given them a second thought. We think it is time to change that and have put together some really interesting facts about printer cartridges so that you never ignore them again!

Genuine Ink Cartridges Are Not Full

Sadly, when we buy genuine ink cartridges, we do so without realizing that we are purchasing something that is only half full! If you do not believe this then stop to consider how printer companies can sell cartridges that are the same shape but label them XXL! There is lots of debate about why they do not fill them but the popular belief is that it is a way for printer companies to make even more money from consumers.

Recycling Is The Key

Every printer cartridge that is sold can be recycled but still there are over 350 million sent to landfill sites every year. Recycling printer cartridges is not difficult and there are many charities that actively collect them, so they can increase their income. If you do not have a recycling point near you then you can even post them back to the company you got them from who will recycle them into new cartridges ready to be sold again and again!

Not All Ink Cartridges Were Created Equal

There are many different types of ink cartridges on the market and you need to know the type you need before you spend any more getting a replacement. The most common types include photo ink cartridges, colour ink cartridges, black ink cartridges and even refillable ones that have been made to reduce the environmental impact. When you look in your printer manual you will be able to find out which cartridge you need before you head out to purchase one.

Replacement Inks Are As Good As Genuine Cartridges

There are many up and coming ink specialist businesses who work hard to provide us with compatible ink cartridges for a fraction of the cost of genuine inks. For example, you may head online and find a store like Smart Ink’s printer ink online store. Next, you search for your cartridge type, then find yourself stunned at the price difference and purchase one to try. The good news is that companies like this have done significant work in improving replacement ink that the only difference you will see is that the price is lower and the service is better.

It seems clear that we all may have vastly underestimated just how great these plastic cartridges really are! So, the next time you go to buy ink, try a replacement company. Or, the next time you go to throw your cartridge in the bin, recycle it instead. If we all bought and used our inks more responsibly, then the environmental impact would be huge and our bank balances would be far healthier!