So your old printer has finally called it quits. Whether it’s jammed beyond repair, outdated, or you’ve switched to a paperless workflow, you’re probably asking: Can you throw away a printer?
The short answer is no—and there’s more to it than you might think.
While it may seem like a simple appliance, a printer is considered electronic waste (e-waste) and needs to be disposed of properly. Tossing it into your household trash is not only environmentally harmful, but it could also be illegal depending on where you live. In this post, we’ll explore why, and more importantly, what you should do instead.
Why You Should Never Throw a Printer in the Trash
Hidden Hazards Inside Your Printer
Printers may seem harmless on the outside, but on the inside they contain:
- Toner and ink residues, which can be toxic and flammable
- Heavy metals such as lead, found in circuit boards and solder
- Plastic components that take hundreds of years to degrade
Improper disposal means these materials could end up in landfills or incinerators—leaching into soil, contaminating groundwater, and contributing to air pollution.
E-Waste Is the Fastest Growing Waste Stream
According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, the world generated over 53 million metric tons of e-waste in a single year—only 17.4% of it was recycled properly. Printers, scanners, and fax machines make up a significant chunk of that number. Each printer you recycle properly helps shift that statistic in the right direction.
What Happens When You Recycle a Printer?
Recycling isn’t just about throwing something in a bin—it’s about reclaiming resources and minimizing harm.
The Printer Recycling Process
- Collection and Sorting
Devices are collected at recycling centers or through mail-in programs and sorted by device type and condition.
- Disassembly
Workers remove components like toner cartridges and inkjets. Parts like plastic housing, circuit boards, and motors are sorted.
- Material Recovery
Plastic is processed for reuse in new consumer products.
Copper wiring is melted down for new electronics.
Metals like aluminum and steel go into manufacturing and construction.
How to Responsibly Dispose of a Printer
You’ve got options. Whether you’re clearing out your home office or handling equipment disposal at scale, there are cost-effective and convenient ways to recycle.
Drop It Off at a Local E-Waste Facility
Municipal recycling programs often host e-waste days where residents can bring printers, old laptops, and other electronics. Many of these events are free for households and require no appointment.
Pro Tip: Search “[Your City] + E-waste drop-off events” for upcoming collection days.
Donate It to Extend Its Life
If your printer still functions, donation is often better than recycling. You reduce demand for new electronics and give others access to affordable tools.
Great places to donate:
- Local schools and classrooms
- Youth centers or nonprofits
- Senior centers with basic tech needs
- Online platforms like Freecycle, Craigslist, or Buy Nothing groups
Before donating: Wipe it down, check for working cables, and include a test page if possible.
Can You Reuse or Repurpose a Printer?
Yes! For the DIY-minded, an old printer can be a treasure chest of useful parts.
Creative Upcycling Ideas:
- Salvage stepper motors for robotics projects
- Use gears and rollers for engineering kits
- Repurpose the paper tray into a storage bin
- Turn plastic shells into an electronics case
How to Prepare a Printer for Disposal or Donation
Checklist:
- Remove all cartridges and recycle them separately
- Unplug all cords and accessories
- Reset the printer to factory settings (especially if it stored faxes, addresses, or Wi-Fi credentials)
- Clean the outside and pack in a box if donating or mailing
Final Thoughts: Choose the Smart Way to Dispose of Your Printer
So—can you throw away a printer? Absolutely not.
Printers are more than outdated tech—they’re full of parts that can either pollute our environment or power the next wave of recycled materials.
By choosing to recycle, donate, or upcycle your old printer, you:
✅ Keep toxins out of landfills
✅ Contribute to the circular economy
✅ Reduce your carbon footprint
✅ Help schools, charities, and makerspaces
Don’t let your printer become part of the world’s fastest-growing waste stream. Take the extra step. Your planet—and your community—will thank you.
