I like the idea but do have some concerns. We are learning that dealing with printer cartridges is not risk free.
http://www.newsfactor.com/
story....id=023002CUF1M7
If these type of businesses take off, how will the regulatory agencies (EPA, DEG, OSHA, etc.) regulate their activities? Will theses types of businesses be scrutinized like those in the industrial sector, or will they be given a pass? The photograph suggests that safety is lacking. At a minimum one would expect to see eye, hand, and respiratory protection. Future lawsuits resulting from unnecessary employee exposure to ink, toner and cleaning chemicals could put this upstart out of business. You may consider it a stretch, but we live in a litigious society.
Another question that should be answered is where do this company's wastes end up? If the toner, inks and cleaners are even the least bit toxic, should not some form of waste treatment be required? A sink's drain just can't be enough. Where is the incinerator or the autoclave? If the entire cartridge were to follow the traditional path to a modern landfill, it's contents would be prevented from contaminating the estuaries. What are the long-term effects of it following this green path?
I hope you realize that I am playing the devil's advocate here and having a bit of fun. I like the entrepeneurial spirit driving this business and hope that they continue to do well. However, if they continue to grow, they should expect to see the inspectors one their doorstep. Like Dad always says, "No good deed goes unpunished."
Great post!
If the economics don't work, recycling efforts won't either.
As our little contribution to make this economics of recycling more appealing,http://LivePaths.com blogs about people and companies that make money selling recycled or reused items, provide green services or help us reduce our dependency on non renewable resources.
Have any of you seen the new advertisement for the Walgreens ink jet renewal service? Looks like one of the big boys sees a potential profit center. I bet they will be regulated in a more strict manner than the subject of this post.
I had a business client who filled his own cartridges for what he figured cost him 50 cents each. He printed hundreds of really nice full color postcards every day for his business. I'm going to describe how he does it on http://www.envirofreak.com - I'll post it in the next few days.
Commenting by HaloScan
