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to recycle your old ones. Remanufacturers inspect empty cartridges for damage and then
repair or replace broken parts. They clean the reusable parts and then refill the cartridge
with new toner.

Rechargeable Batteries
Each year, over three billion batteries are sold. If batteries leak, they can cause burns to the
eyes and skin. But they can also pollute the environment. Batteries can contain:
• Cadmium
• Mercury
• Cobalt
• Copper
• Zinc
• Lead
• Manganese
• Nickel
• Lithium

These heavy metals may leach from landfills, contaminate soil, and pollute surface
water and groundwater. If incinerated, these toxic chemicals can be released into the air.
Whenever possible, choose products that operate without batteries or use rechargeable
batteries.

NOTE If your organization uses calculators, consider purchasing solar-powered models.
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium rechargeable batteries are preferable to nickel-
cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries because they are less toxic and can be more easily recharged
without losing their power.

NOTE If you can’t find rechargeables, standardize on long-lasting batteries that won’t need to be
replaced as often.
Ink
Printing ink can contain such heavy metals as the following:

• Barium
• Cadmium
• Chromium
• Lead

They also can contain alcohol and toxic hydrocarbons. If you dispose of ink improperly,
it can contaminate surface water, groundwater, and the soil. Consider using vegetable-based
inks instead.