In these times, you’d think every manufacturer would be trying to cut down on waste, trying to reduce their own and customers carbon footprint.  Well although virtually every company will of course pretend they are doing this, the reality is often completely different.

You would of course think in this environment that making something last as long as possible was a good thing.  Although I’m sure washing machine companies would be happy if we changed machines every year – it’s a terrible thing to do for the environment.

Can you imagine  then if you were forced to buy a new Television every two years?  Or after you’ve watched so many hours using your TV set that a computer chip shut it down and you couldn’t use it?

Sounds outrageous ?

I think so but that is exactly what printing companies do as a matter of routine.   Many more printer cartridges are being supplied with so called ‘killer chips’ .  These chips communicate with your printer and effectively stop it working after a specific period.   They are designed to stop people reusing the cartridges or refilling them with compatible toner ink.   The chips are specifically designed to create more waste (and of course more profit for the printing firm)

Refilling and reusing toner cartridges is in every ones interest, it cuts down on landfill, stops replacement cartridges being made or the energy expended in re-manufacturing components when they don’t need them.

So next time you look at a printing company recycling scheme, remember most of them are actively promoting this simply so they can make money.   The green option is to take responsibility for the whole of their products lifecycle and allow it to be used efficiently.  That does not mean creating computer chips with the sole intent of making a cartridge unusable so they can sell you a new one !!!