Every manufacturer’s process differs slightly, but the basic steps in cartridge recycling are the same:
- Visual Evaluation – Firstly cartridges are inspected and evaluated. The decision is made to either remanufacture the cartridge (see below), or to consider it “end-of-life” and grind it down in order to recycle its material components.
- Disassembly and Sorting – Cartridges that are deemed “end-of-life” are disassembled, and their recyclable materials – mostly plastics – are reclaimed.
- Grinding – The reclaimed plastics are ground into small plastic pellets. This same process is, of course, used during any kind of plastic recycling.
- ReUse – The plastic grindings are used to create new cartridges, usually through an injection molding process.
- New Cartridges – With the new cartridges ready to use, they are refilled, labeled and packaged accordingly.
If, after the evaluation process, the cartridge is deemed as a candidate for remanufacturing, it goes through a different process:
- Enhanced Inspection – After the visual inspection that pronounced it worthy of remanufacturing, the cartridges electrical circuits are tested to verify that they still function properly.
- Cartridge Preparation – Each cartridge is opened. Any miscellaneous material (foam inserts, etc.) is removed. This process is usually performed robotically.
- Preparation and Cleaning – Technicians empty the cartridge of remaining ink and clean it with high-powered spraying systems in preparation for refilling.
- Refilling – Using manufacturer-specific fi¬lling techniques, each cartridge is ¬refilled to OEM speci¬fications with ink.
- Sealing – A state-of-the-art sealing process ensures a leak-proof cartridge.
- Testing – Every cartridge is then tested to ensure that its performance and quality meet industry standards.
- Packaging – Completed cartridges are labeled and boxed for resale.
For more information on cartridge recycling, go here.