The Skinny:

Sustainable office practices aren’t just good for the planet—they can also save your Colorado business money. This guide explains how copier recycling, toner return programs, ENERGY STAR devices, and zero‑waste policies reduce waste and enhance your bottom line.

If your business in Colorado is looking to cut costs and go green, your office copiers and printers might hold the key. Most companies don’t realize that copiers, printers, and their consumables—like toner cartridges—can create a significant environmental footprint if not managed responsibly. From landfill waste to energy consumption, older practices in print management can quietly drain resources and harm your sustainability goals.

By adopting eco-friendly copier recycling and sustainable print strategies, you can reduce waste, save on operational costs, and demonstrate your company’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Here’s how to do it effectively.

1. Participate in Toner Recycling and Return Programs

Toner cartridges are a major contributor to office waste, but they’re also one of the easiest items to recycle:

• Manufacturer return programs: Brands like Canon, HP, Epson, Kyocera, and Xerox offer prepaid shipping labels or collection boxes for empty toner cartridges. These cartridges are then properly recycled or refurbished.
• Local recycling drop-offs: Some Colorado municipalities and office supply stores accept used cartridges if manufacturer programs aren’t available.
• Bulk return options for high-volume offices: Managed Print Service (MPS) providers can arrange regular pick‑ups, saving time and ensuring compliance.

This simple step keeps non-biodegradable plastics out of landfills and reduces the need for new material production.

2. Take Advantage of Copier Lease‑Return and Recycling Programs

Many Colorado businesses lease their multifunction copiers rather than purchase them outright. Leasing offers a hidden sustainability benefit: equipment take‑back and recycling.

• End-of-lease returns ensure that your old device is properly refurbished, recycled, or safely dismantled for parts.
• Certified recycling partners used by major manufacturers meet strict environmental standards, reducing e‑waste.
• Upgrade paths to energy‑efficient devices allow you to improve sustainability without absorbing the cost of ownership.

Leasing can be a smart way to keep your fleet current, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

3. Choose ENERGY STAR Certified Copiers

Your choice of copier has a direct impact on energy consumption and long‑term operational costs. ENERGY STAR certified multifunction devices:

• Use less energy in standby and active modes.
• Include automatic sleep settings and duplex printing to cut down on power and paper waste.
• Contribute to LEED credits and other green building certifications for environmentally‑conscious Colorado businesses.

When planning an upgrade, always check for the ENERGY STAR label to maximize both sustainability and savings.

4. Implement a Zero‑Waste Print Policy

A zero‑waste policy focuses on minimizing printing altogether and responsibly handling any waste that is produced:

• Set default duplex printing and encourage digital workflows to reduce paper use.
• Track print volumes to identify and eliminate unnecessary output.
• Ensure all consumables—from paper to toner—are recycled or reused whenever possible.

By combining recycling programs with zero‑waste initiatives, your office can achieve a measurable reduction in both environmental impact and supply costs.

5. Partner with a Managed Print Service Provider for Sustainable Solutions

Sustainability is easier to achieve with expert guidance. Partnering with a Managed Print Service (MPS) provider can help your Colorado business:

• Monitor supply usage to reduce waste.
• Automate toner recycling and equipment returns.
• Evaluate and replace outdated devices with energy‑efficient alternatives.

An MPS partner ensures you don’t just recycle—you optimize your print environment to be as sustainable and cost‑effective as possible.

Bringing It All Together

Reducing your environmental footprint isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s also smart business. By embracing toner recycling, lease‑return programs, ENERGY STAR certified copiers, zero‑waste policies, and MPS partnerships, your Colorado business can:

• Cut operational costs
• Comply with corporate sustainability initiatives
• Enhance your public image as an eco‑friendly organization

Going green with your office print environment ensures you save money while protecting the environment for future generations.

Call to Action: Ready to transform your copier fleet into a sustainability success story? Contact our team to learn how eco‑friendly recycling programs and energy‑efficient devices can save your Colorado business money.