While ink jet printers usually cost less than laser printers, the offsetting factor may well be the cost of the toner cartridges used in those printers. New ink jet cartridges are generally costlier to use then laser, so care should be taken when the time comes to replace the module. Fortunately there are ways to reduce those expenses and bring your overall printing costs down.

One popular option is to buy the cartridges in bulk, or at least in whatever convenient merchandise packaging a manufacturer offers. There are generally advertised savings available when the toner is purchased in a two or three pack. The savings can add up to 10 to 15% over a single unit.

An even more economical method is to recycle your spent old cartridges. In this method, your emptied cartridge is turned in to the retailer in exchange for a “reconditioned\’ cartridge that has been refilled either by a general office supply retailer or by a company that specializes in refilling empty components. Savings of 25% or more can be realized. Suppliers of these refilled and reconditioned toner cartridges purport that the reconditioned units will last as long as, or longer than new. A majority of the large multi-national companies have come to recognize the advantages and cost saving benefits of recycling and now regard recycling as an inherent part of their standard operating procedures.

Environmentalists are much in favour of the recycling aspect of toner refilling versus replacement of the entire unit. They regard it as being environmentally friendly and “green.” This is due largely because petroleum based plastics are not employed when the cartridges are re-used. In addition, much of the ink used in these products are soy based and have no harmful long term effects on the dumping grounds. Researchers have discovered that old ink cartridges will release a significant amount of harmful contaminants into the soil over time.

Mainstream cartridge manufacturers have come to recognized the potential environmental damage, and are now building the ink cartridges so that they have a useful lifetime of 6 refills before the built in electronic features need to be disposed of.

Often retailers, especially the large office supply specialty businesses have a customer reward program in place that allows frequent purchasers of cartridges to earn credits toward free or substantially reduced toners. It pays to explore that possibility with your retail supplier.

Online providers are becoming more common, as well. Speciality re-conditioners and ink providers are cropping up online as well to handle the demand. Before you get too involved or make any significant purchase online, you may be well served by checking references and online comments about the company. There are some businesses that offer inferior products or short lasting cartridges.

The concept makes perfect sense so long as he ink is provided is the same quality as that provided in cartridges sold by the leading cartridge makers. After all, the toner ink receptacle itself rarely sustains damage in use and has a long life probability.

One can take the premise even further. There are toner refill kits available that allow users to refill toners on their own and eliminate the middle men that add to the overall cost of refilling.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Cartridge World, providers of toner cartridges and ink cartridges.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Cartridge World (http://www.cartridgeworld.co.uk), providers of office supplies, including ink cartridges and toner cartridges.

Author Bio: Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Cartridge World, providers of toner cartridges and ink cartridges.

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: inkjet cartridges, toner cartridges, printer cartridges