How to Dispose of a Printer | Simple, Eco-Friendly Guide [2025]

Printers are quite loyal devices that spit out all kinds of materials; family snaps, work, and school assignments alike. However at some point, every printer has to go – perhaps it no longer prints, or you bought a better one. 

And what do you do with that old, bulky machine taking up your space?

Don’t simply throw it in the regular trash! Dump is not only a waste but also has negative impacts on the environment. Worry not, though; proper disposing of a printer is less daunting than you may think it is! 

Your printer’s junk removal expert is here to save you from this stress. In this guide, I’ll take you through several eco-friendly and responsible ways to dispose of your old printer. 

Why Does Printer Proper Disposal Matter?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of how to dispose of a printer, let’s blow your mind about why it’s important for us. Like many other electronic devices, printers contain hazardous materials (e-waste) such as heavy metals, plastics, and inks.

When these raw materials end up in landfills, they may seep into the soil and water. It not only impacts the environment but causes many health problems. The federal government bans the disposal of electronic waste, and half of the states in the United States have e-waste recycling laws. 

Businesses that violate these laws may face severe penalties. AT&T received a $52 million fine in 2014. Knowing how to dispose of a printer is crucial for printing businesses to keep their working flow smooth. It saves you from government fines for improper disposal tactics. 

How to Dispose of a Printer?

I don’t know anyone who consciously wants to harm the environment and then be fined. So, below are the different options for disposing of your home or office printer properly.

Method 1: Consider Recycling

Recycling is the safest way to dispose of an old printer. It gives the printer’s components a second life without damaging the environment. 

Many printer parts—like metals, plastics, and electronic components—can be repurposed into new products.  Here are a few ways to recycle your printer:

Electronic Waste Recycling Centers: Most towns and cities have electronic waste (e-waste) recycling centers. Do your research for a recycling center near you. Many well-known printer manufacturers (HP, Brother, and Canon) also offer take-back programs to recycle your old printers. 

Big Box Retailers Stores: Big tech stores like Best Buy and Staples often have recycling programs/bins for old electronics. You can drop your e-waste in these designated receptacles. Most towns have one of these major stores nearby, so recycling your old devices should not be an uphill battle.

Local Recycling Events: Some communities organize special e-waste events a few times a year. It’s a doorstep opportunity to drop off electronics for free recycling. If you’re in no rush, these events are beneficial, as these can be seasonal.

Method 2. Donate It if It’s Still Functional

If your printer still works but you don’t need it anymore, consider donating it to a local charity center, school, or second-hand shop. It’s a wonderful step to keep it out of the waste stream and put it to good use.

• Schools and Nonprofits: Many schools, community centers, and nonprofits could benefit from a working printer. Call local organizations and ask if they could use your old printer. Some may even arrange for pickup if they need it.

• Second-Hand Shops: Some second-hand or thrift stores, like Goodwill or Salvation Army, accept functional electronics. Just check with your local store ahead of time since some locations may have restrictions on e-waste.

• Online Donation Platforms: You can also list your printer on websites or apps like Freecycle, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace for free. Many people appreciate free electronics, especially if they’re in working condition.

Method 3. Sell Your Printer

The best way to get some extra cash is to sell your printer especially if it is still working. The old models find a home in good hands and only need a basic printer for their tasks. It’s a win-win situation for both. 

Here’s where you can try selling it:

Online Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace are great places to list your old printer. Be honest about its condition and price it fairly; people love a good deal on second-hand electronics. Ensure you have deleted all personal data before selling it.

Trade-In Programs: Some printer manufacturers and electronics stores provide the service trade where you can trade your old printer for credit for another purchase. Yes, you want to know if there is a trade-in program that you can use, this may be found at your printer’s brand website.

Find a Refurbishment Company: These companies will buy your printer from you. Many companies and repair shops may offer to buy your broken printer to fix, refurbish, and resell it. Look for electronic refurbishment companies or independent electronic stores nearby and ask if they would be interested in buying your printer to refurbish.

How to Prepare Your Printer for Disposal?

To prepare a printer for removal, follow these simple steps:

1. Power It Down and Unplug It: Turn off your printer and unplug it from the power source. This ensures safety when handling and moving it.

2. Remove the Ink Cartridges and Toner: Open the printer to take the ink cartridges or toner out carefully. Store them properly if they’re still usable, or recycle them separately if they’re empty. Remember, ink and toner can leak, so you don’t want them in the printer while moving it.

3. Disconnect Storage Devices: Removing storage devices is important before going to dispose of the printer. Unplug  USB cables, SD cards, network cables, or other attachments. If the printer has trays or paper feeders that stick out, remove or fold them if possible.

4. Restore the Factory Defaults: A printer’s touchscreen typically has options for restoring to factory default. Check for a menu labeled Settings, Setup, or Maintenance, or see the instruction manual.

5. Remove the Printer from the PC: In the Printers and Scanners area of your computer’s settings, delete the printer from the list. This way, printing will not be automatically set to a piece of hardware that you no longer own.

6. Clean the Exterior: Give the printer a quick wipe-down to remove dust and dirt. This isn’t required but can be considered if you’re donating or selling it.

7. Secure the Printer for Transport: If the printer has any moving parts (like a scanner lid), tape them down gently to prevent damage during handling. Wrap the large printers in a blanket or bubble wrap for extra protection.

8. Find a Box or Suitable Packaging (If Needed): If you’re transporting it somewhere (like to a recycling center), try to pack it securely in a box. This will make it easier to carry and protect from getting scratched or bumped around.

And that’s it! Your printer is now ready for safe removal.

Conclusion

Do not dispose of a printer in a regular garbage bin! Disposing of an old printer may not be as easy as dropping it at the street but it only takes some extra effort to do our part in helping our planet. 

If you choose to recycle, donate, or resell it then at least you will save the materials from ending up in the dump and may even brighten someone’s day by giving it to them.

So, next time you are ready to dispose of a printer, prepare your printer for disposal. You’ll be helping the planet—and maybe even someone in your community.