The Refill Centre affirms that several myths have misrepresented remanufactured imaging supplies. There are six myths about compatible toner cartridges that can be debunked by knowing the facts. The Refill Centre imaging supplies are a benefit to people and the environment because these create jobs, reduces energy consumption, trims down rubbish going to landfills and cuts back on manufacturing waste and pollution.
We have contributed to the growing success and prevalence of compatible brand third party toner and inkjet cartridges in the market place.
Several prevalent myths regarding the value of remanufactured cartridges have discouraged consumers from purchasing and benefiting from the use of these recycled products.
Some commom questions about remanufacturers
Dont you just replace the toner in the cartridges?
Single re-use remanufacturers are cheating you and the environment. We replace every worn or damaged component in each cartridge. Expensive imaging drums must be cleaned, tested and usually replaced. Charge rollers and other major parts are similarly treated. Microchips must be replaced to restore full functioning. Every part must be cleaned, examined and eventually replaced.
Why cant you re-use the old toner in the cartridges?
If we did, none of the cartridges would work! Toner becomes contaminated during the printing process by paper, dust and electrical charges rendering it unusable. Every cartridge model requires a different toner formulation. Combining contaminated toners would compound problems.
If i use a remanufactured cartridge in my machine it will damage it, causing expensive repair bills.
Toner cartridges are largely self-contained and make limited contact with the parts of printers. The worst that happens is that toner from a failed cartridge must be removed from the printer. All cartridges deposit some toner inside of their printers. Properly remanufactured cartridges do not damage printers or create more wear than cartridges that are properly assembled by or for printer makers. Removing toner deposits is part of the routine maintenance required to maintain printer warranties.
If i send my cartridge back to the manufacturer then they can reuse it, dont they?
Only 20% of empty cartridges are ever recovered by anyone. Independent cartridge remanufactureres recover more empty cartridges than all of their original makers combined. Millions of empty cartridges inundate landfills here and litter rural third world villages. HP/Canon grind them into powders that are then made into pellets for use in making low grade plastic products such as CD cases and cups.
Are Remanufactured cartridges are inferior to new ones?
Government, major corporations and independent testing laboratories certify that properly remanufactured toner cartridges perform as well or better than cartridges made and sold as new by major printer and cartridge makers.
Remanufactured cartridges compare favourably to new ones in terms of print quality and product life-but cost less money.
If I use a remanufactured cartridge it will void my printer warranty.
Fair trade laws forbid making use of a specific product a condition of a warranty unless the product is provided at no cost to the user. Since HP, Canon, Lexmark and others derive their profits from cartridges, not printer sales, they will never provide free cartridges!
Information obtained from 'The Recycler Trade Magazine' October 2007 |
