Printer and Imaging Equipment

Printers, Faxes/Fax Machines and Multifunction Devices are commonplace in Australian homes and throughout business and industry. These devices have found their niche in the communication of information and whose popularity has increased over time. As with any product or service available today, these machines place their own loads on the environment. Printers, faxes and multifunction centres are frequently made from virgin plastics and metals, are difficult to dismantle for the purposes of recycling, contain electronic components that contain hazardous heavy metals and environmental toxins, are deliberately constructed to prevent the use of recycled paper and remanufactured toner and ink cartridges, are frequently energy-intensive and may exceed acceptable sound-power levels, among others. Furthermore, these machines require parts, particularly ink and toner cartridges, that need continual replacement, with offsite impact associated with landfill and contamination. Understandably, the use of these machines is subject to behavioural issues such as user paper preference (virgin or recycled), the use or otherwise of energy-saving features, ink and toner cartridge preference (new or recycled), ink and toner cartridge recycling initiatives, and an over-reliance on printing.

Fortunately, reducing these environmental loads can be achieved through innovation in product design and delivery. Depending on the product, an environmentally preferable machine is Energy-Star® tested and rated, Sound-Power Level compliant, made from recycled or re-used plastics and metals which can be re-recycled, modular in design and easily dismantled, has polymer/co-polymer plastic parts, has electronic and/or photosensitive components that do not contain heavy metals or other toxins, does not contain halogenated flame retardant additives in plastics, is not manufactured using ozone-depleting substances (CFC's, HCFC'd etc); and whose parts or the machine as a whole are not coated, labelled or treated in any manner that would prevent them being recycled at end-of-life. Importantly, too, the manufacturer of the machine (or a registered 3rd-party) should takeback the product at end-of-life for re-use, recycling or disposal.

Consumer Behaviour Tips

• Look for a machine that is Energy-Star and ISO Sound Power Level tested and certified, respectively;
• Choose a machine that has energy-saver and stand-by modes;
• Choose a machine that accepts recycled paper and ink/toner cartridges;
• Make sure the manufacturer accepts the machine back at end-of-life;
• Choose a machine with a modular design, and that is easily dismantled;
• Opt for a photocopier that is manufactured from recycled materials – both the chassis and its parts – and which can itself be recycled at end of life;
• Avoid machines comprised of electronic or photosensitive components that contain cadmium, lead and mercury;
• Avoid photocopiers that are coated, varnished, or labelled in any manner that might prevent the machine from being recycled at end of life;

For specific information view our Environmental Standard for Printer and Imaging Equipment:

www.geca.org.au/standardsregister.htm