Children recycling together

E-waste: What is it and how can it help Computer Aid?

From empty ink cartridges to unwanted devices, we all have e-waste that we need to get rid of – and yet recycling these products is something that is often overlooked and under-advertised.

From empty ink cartridges to unwanted devices, we all have e-waste that we need to get rid of – and yet recycling these products is something that is often overlooked and under-advertised.

To look at this global issue in numbers, there are over 30 million inkjet cartridges dumped in landfill every year, with each one expected to take around 1,000 years to decompose. That’s a lot of e-waste building up over time.

And it’s not just ink cartridges – with unwanted mobile phones and other technology devices becoming a core part of the growing problem.

As a solution, many homeowners and users search for ‘ink cartridge recycling near me’ links and recycling plants. However, here at Computer Aid we have an alternative solution, with more effective results and a direct link between your e-waste and valuable funds for our projects.

Introducing our Ink Cartridge Recycling Partnership

Here at Computer Aid we are big believers in reusing rather than recycling and breathing new life into products which are otherwise unwanted by their original owners. Now, whilst we can’t use empty ink cartridges to directly benefit our NGOs and ground project teams, through our partnership with Printer Cartridge Recycling Ltd we are able to transform your e-waste into funding for our projects.

That means that any empty ink cartridges you donate allow us to purchase and repurpose more ICT and equipment for those who need it. Once your empties and unwanted devices have been received, Printer Cartridge Recycling Ltd sends them on to reliable and reputable firms which guarantee the safe recycling of each piece. Sometimes this means funnelling materials back into the ink and printer product chain, and other times it means separating the materials for use in new and environmentally efficient products.

Best of all, it couldn’t be easier to join and start donating your unwanted ink cartridges and devices to Computer Aid. 

How to sign up for the scheme

In order to start donating, giving you a way to get rid of unwanted e-waste while also donating to Computer Aid at the same time, all you need to do is sign up for a business account through the link embedded in this webpage.

When you register, selecting ‘Computer Aid’ as your payee of choice will see all funds transferred directly to us, which will allow us to turn your waste into funding, and therefore into computers for those in need.

You must collect a minimum of 40 items for each e-waste drop, with free Royal Mail postage available – making this an easy and completely cost-free way of ensuring that empty ink cartridges, unwanted and outdated mobile phones, and other e-waste is funnelled back into the chain of reuse.

For more information on this partnership, and to discover just how much your empty ink cartridges and outdated mobile phones could make for Computer Aid, get in touch today.