How to Properly Dispose of Your Old Printers and Fax Machines

Printers and fax machines are often overlooked in corporate IT decommissioning projects, but they can harbor both sensitive data and hazardous materials. Many modern multifunction printers and copiers contain internal hard drives that store images of every document printed, copied, scanned, or faxed — sometimes for years. Before decommissioning any networked printer or copier, verify whether it contains a hard drive, and if so, have that drive certified-wiped or physically destroyed along with all other IT assets being retired.

Toner cartridges and toner powder represent a separate disposal consideration. Dry toner is classified as a nuisance dust with respiratory hazard potential, and some toner formulations contain carbon black, which is a possible human carcinogen. Empty toner cartridges should be recycled through manufacturer take-back programs (most major printer manufacturers operate these) rather than thrown in the trash. Used toner powder — from cartridges that leak or from maintenance operations — should be handled as a hazardous waste.

For the physical printer or copier itself, STS Recycling accepts printers, copiers, and fax machines as part of our standard electronics recycling program. We assess each unit for internal storage devices before processing and ensure all hazardous material fractions — toner residue, circuit boards containing lead solder, mercury switches in some older models — are directed to appropriate downstream processors. Call Chicago Lamp Recycling at 866-770-2650 to schedule pickup.