Schools and nonprofits use ink cartridge recycling to raise funds

Thousands of schools, nonprofits and community groups are turning used inkjet cartridges into fundraising dollars through Planet Green Recycle’s program. The effort also keeps millions of cartridges out of landfills and gives organizations a no-upfront-cost way to support programs amid tight budgets. Why it matters: - Schools, nonprofits and community groups can raise money without selling products or holding events. - The program also diverts used cartridges from landfills and supports reuse and remanufacturing. - The model matters most for organizations facing budget pressure and limited fundraising capacity. What happened: - Planet Green Recycle said schools, nonprofits, churches and community organizations are participating in its inkjet cartridge recycling program. - Participating organizations collect eligible empty inkjet cartridges and ship them back using prepaid labels provided by Planet Green Recycle. - Organizations receive funding based on qualifying cartridges collected through the program. - Planet Green Recycle said thousands of organizations have joined over the past two decades. - The company said the program has helped generate funding for educational, charitable and community-based programs. The details: - Participants span pet shelters, youth sports teams, schools and nonprofit groups. - Supporters are encouraged to collect empty cartridges from homes and offices and send them in for recycling instead of disposal. - The New Jersey Education Association is among the participating organizations. - Through member outreach, NJEA members send in hundreds of cartridges each month, the company said. - Planet Green Recycle said the program requires no inventory purchases or upfront financial commitment from participating organizations. - Supporters can also buy replacement ink and toner through Planet Green Recycle using an organization’s Program ID. - Qualifying purchases generate additional fundraising support for participating organizations. - Planet Green Recycle said it processes millions of ink cartridges annually through recycling and remanufacturing programs. - Many cartridges are reused, remanufactured or recycled, reducing plastic entering landfills. - Organizations can request information about the program through Planet Green Recycle’s website. Between the lines: - The program combines fundraising with a recycling incentive, which can make participation easier than traditional donation drives. - The pitch is aimed at organizations that need recurring revenue but want low-friction ways to engage supporters. - The recycling-and-purchase model gives Planet Green Recycle more than one path to generate activity tied to participating groups. What’s next: - Planet Green Recycle is continuing to recruit organizations through its website. - The company is positioning the program as a standing fundraising option for schools and nonprofits looking for ongoing support. - Founded in 1999, Planet Green says it will continue remanufacturing used OEM inkjet cartridges and selling surplus OEM stock as an alternative to newly manufactured products.