I Saved A Bit Of The World Today

...by refilling the toner cartridge of my laser printer.

One thing I've always absolutely hated about the computer printer industry is the sheer waste and expense involved in replacing inkjet and toner cartridges. These things are quite complex bits of engineering (especially toner carts), and it makes no sense whatsoever to me to throw them away just because they're empty. But the manufacturers of these things go to great lengths to make it difficult or impossible to refill them. It's often said that printer makers are in the business of selling ink, rather than printers.

My laser printer has been complaining about low toner for a few months now. When this happens, I pick the machine up and give it a bloody good shake. That normally sorts it out. But a week ago, it really was empty, and I really was not happy at the prospect of buying a new cartridge - not least because it would cost about 80 Euros; that's very nearly the cost of a new printer.

So I set about finding a supplier who could refill my cartridge, and came across U Refill Toner Ltd, in Birmingham (refilltoner.co.uk). They have kits to refill pretty much any laser printer ever made, including colour ones. I ordered one for mine, and it cost about 15 Euros plus 5 for delivery. It arrived this morning, and includes everything you need - bottle of toner, pouring spout, little screwdriver to lever the plug off with, syringe of sealant in case it leaks afterward and an alcohol-soaked cleaning cloth in case you get thirsty. There's also a face mask and surgical gloves, and most importantly, full, illustrated instructions on how to do it, and what to do if things go wrong.

Very impressed, I am. And the printer worked first time with identical print quality to what I was getting before.