How to Get Rid of your Old Copier
Believe it or not, disposing of your copier quickly is actually very important in regards to the environment, and for legal reasons. Oftentimes, businesses will assume the appropriate area to get rid of your old copier is at a landfill, yet this decision can prove to be very environmentally harmful due to the materials they contain. Electronic waste has increased 8% in the United States, making it the fasting growing segment of U.S. waste. With the increase in electronic waste, we must look at appropriate methods of disposing of such waste, which is precisely what this piece will outline! Below, we discuss the best practices and most responsible methods for getting rid of that old copier in your office!
Donate
If your copier is still functioning, but is just somewhat out of date for your needs, an incredible option is to donate it! Your business could significantly help a local school or non-profit on a very limited budget! Before donating it is important to ensure that the copier is in good working order, as well as research the organizations guideline revolving around donations. Additionally, donating can help you qualify for tax reductions, so it is important to keep a record of your copier donation. Not only does this option benefit a local organization and your company, it also keeps unnecessary toxins out of landfills and the environment in general!
Manufacturer Returns
If donating your copier just is not in the cards for your company, another option you can consider is checking with the manufacturer of the machine and see if they have any return programs. Many copier manufacturers accept old electronics for refurbishment or disposal, which allows them to reuse the plethora of resources from the device itself. Additionally, this option keeps dangerous materials from the copier out of the earth, which helps keep you in good health!
Resale
Another option your business can consider is reselling your copier directly. There are plenty of online auction websites that can assist you in selling your outdated machine. Smaller startups could greatly benefit from a functional but outdated copier, so much so it could help take them to that next level! An important aspect of this option to note, is that you should ensure to make a document of your sale, due to the fact that United States tax law necessitates that you report the disposal of any large office equipment.
Licensed Disposal Facility
A final option you can consider, if the above options pan out and simply do not work for you business, is finding a licensed disposal facility. A company such as this gets rid of your copier in an environmentally secure way, and recycles the composite materials within the machine. These materials are recycled and entered back into the manufacturing process. Not only would you be helping the environment, but you’d also be helping build new copiers! This option is great if your copier or business does match up with the requirements of the other options, and gives you the peace of mind knowing you did your part to help keep this planet clean!
