Has your old printer finally given up? With a new one on its way, you’re likely wondering what to do with the outdated device.

A floor-standing A3 printer can weigh over 100 kg, may still contain toner, and, importantly, could store sensitive data.

Whether you’re upgrading your office equipment or clearing out unused devices, this guide explains why you should dispose of your printer securely and responsibly. 

Why it matters how you dispose of your printer

Environmental Considerations 

Printers contain electronic components and materials that can be harmful if not disposed of correctly. Improper disposal contributes to the growing issue of electronic waste (e-waste), posing environmental and health risks. 

To dispose of an office printer in a compliant manner, businesses must adhere to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. This means the printer must be handled separately from regular waste and recycled responsibly. The business is responsible for ensuring the printer is removed and disposed of by an authorised waste management company. 

Data Security 

Printers may store sensitive data, making secure disposal essential. Before disposing of your printer, it’s crucial to ensure that all data is fully removed from the device. This includes print logs, scanned documents, and any stored user information. 

Ownership 

Often, at the end of a printer lease agreement, ownership of the equipment reverts to the finance company. The terms and conditions of your agreement will detail what you need to do at the end of your contract. If you have any questions about your contract and the steps required when your current photocopier lease is expiring, please contact us. 

Disposal Options

Local Recycling Centre 

For small desktop devices, you can take your old printer to your local recycling centre. Your local council will provide a list of suitable centres, but there may be charges if you’re disposing of waste from a business. These centres ensure that valuable materials are recovered and hazardous substances are handled safely.  

Collection Service 

For a fee, you can arrange for the collection of your old printer directly from your office. Charges for collection can depend on factors such as access (e.g., if there’s only access via stairs or parking restrictions). Typically, collection can be arranged within a couple of days. Your data will be securely removed, and you’ll be provided with documentation confirming disposal. 

If your equipment is leased, you may be responsible for returning it to the leasing company yourself. A third party can collect the printer from your location and return it to the finance company on your behalf. 

My Group Printing offers a collection service for old photocopiers and printers, including those that need to be returned to another location. Contact our friendly team on 01322 643 826 to find out more. 

Equipment Buy-Back 

If your printer is in good working order, it could still have value—sometimes more than you might think. To confirm a price, you’ll need to provide: 

• Manufacturer 

• Model number 

• Any peripherals (e.g., saddle stitch unit) 

• Number of pages printed 

• Information about any visible damage 

You’ll also need to provide access information, as the cost of collection will be factored into the buy-back price. 

 My Group Printing offers a buy-back scheme for specific models that includes free collection. To find out more, please contact us on 01322 643 826. 

Ensuring Data Security

Before disposing of your printer, ensure that any stored data is securely erased. Confirm with the company collecting your printer or photocopier that they will remove your data. Printers can store sensitive information like print logs or scanned documents. 

We recommend checking your printer’s manual or discussing this with your supplier for instructions on performing a factory reset or data wipe. For printers with hard drives, these can be removed and destroyed to prevent your data from falling into the wrong hands.

Handling Ink and Toner Cartridges

Even when just moving a printer, it’s recommended to remove ink and toner cartridges before disposal.  

How can I dispose of my used toners 

Disposing of used toner cartridges responsibly is straightforward with an industry wide toner recycling programme, managed by Close the Loop. This initiative allows businesses to recycle genuine toner cartridges and consumables efficiently. 

How It Works: 

Register: Sign up at Circular Planet to participate. 

Collect: Receive free Eco Collection Boxes to gather used cartridges. 

Recycle: Once boxes are full, schedule a free pick-up. Collected items are processed to recover materials or repurposed for new cartridges, reducing landfill waste. 

Participating in this programme helps your business contribute to environmental conservation by ensuring proper disposal of toner cartridges. 

For assistance or more information, please contact us on 01322 643 826. 

Legal and Environmental Regulations

In the UK, disposing of electronic equipment is governed by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. These regulations mandate proper disposal methods to minimise environmental impact. It’s illegal to dispose of electronic equipment, including printers, in general waste bins. Non-compliance can result in fines and environmental harm.

Can My Group Printing Help? 

If your finance agreement is ending soon, or if you need to remove a printer that’s surplus to requirements or broken, My Group Printing can help. Our printer removal service is available for any business needing to dispose of their printer or photocopier. 

Our service is easy to arrange—just give our friendly team a call on 01322 643 826. We can offer advice and help you find the best disposal option. 

For further assistance or inquiries, please get in touch with us on 01322 643 826.