Why Can't I Just Throw Out That Old Inkjet Printer?

Today is Earth Day — which makes this the perfect moment to talk about something most businesses overlook: e-waste, and why that old inkjet in the corner can't just go in the trash.

You've got an old inkjet printer sitting in the corner — it's been there for two years, it jams constantly, and half the colors don't work anymore. You want it gone. So why can't you just toss it in the trash?

The short answer: it's illegal in most places, and for good reason.

It's Classified as E-Waste

Printers — along with computers, monitors, phones, and anything else with a circuit board or battery — are classified as electronic waste, or e-waste. Most municipalities, including those here in the Chicago area, prohibit e-waste in regular trash and recycling bins.

This isn't just bureaucratic red tape. There are real environmental reasons behind it.

What's Actually Inside That Printer

Inkjet printers contain several materials that don't belong in a landfill:

Ink cartridges contain chemical dyes and pigments that can leach into soil and groundwater over time. Even "empty" cartridges retain residual ink.

Circuit boards and electronics contain trace amounts of lead, mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals. When these end up in landfills, they can eventually contaminate local water supplies.

Plastic housing is often a mixed-material composite that isn't accepted in standard curbside recycling.

The rule of thumb is simple: if it plugs in or has a battery, it needs special handling. Printers, TVs, monitors, UPS battery backups, old phones, laptops — all of it.

So What Do You Do With It?

You have several good options:

PC Methods On-Site Pickup
If we're already coming out to your office for service, we're happy to take your old electronics off your hands for a small fee — no separate trip required. It's a convenient way to clear out that pile of old gear while we're already on-site. Give us a call to discuss when your next service visit is scheduled.

Kane County E-Waste Drop-Off
Kane County holds periodic e-waste collection events where residents and businesses can drop off old electronics for free or low cost. Check the current schedule at countyofkane.org — events fill up, so it's worth planning ahead.

Big Box Retailer Recycling
Both Best Buy and Staples accept most electronics for recycling at no charge, no purchase necessary. Best Buy in particular accepts a wide range of items including printers, monitors, laptops, and small appliances. It's often the easiest option if you just have one or two items.

One thing worth knowing: LCD monitors tend to be among the most expensive e-waste items to recycle. As of this writing, Best Buy charges around $30 per LCD monitor — and Kane County's drop-off events are often priced similarly. If you're clearing out a back office with several old monitors stacked up, that cost can add up fast. It's worth factoring into your plan before you load up the car.

Batteries Plus
If your old equipment includes rechargeable batteries — or you've got dead rechargeable batteries from any device — Batteries Plus accepts them for drop-off at no charge. They handle lithium-ion, NiMH, and other rechargeable battery types. It's a quick errand and keeps those batteries out of the landfill.

Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
HP, Epson, and Canon all offer recycling programs for their own equipment — sometimes with free mail-in options. Check the manufacturer's website for details.

The Bottom Line

That old inkjet isn't worth the fine for illegal disposal — and the environment will thank you too. Whether you drop it at Best Buy on your next trip, schedule a Kane County event, or let us grab it on our next service call, getting rid of e-waste responsibly is easier than most people think.

Have a pile of old equipment to get rid of? Contact PC Methods at pcmethods.com/contact-us or call 630-208-8000 and we'll figure out the best option for you.

PC Methods provides IT support, ERP consulting, and managed services to businesses in the Chicago area. Based in Elburn, IL.