Recycle Free Inc. © 1997-2009
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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if we continue to ship cartridges to EnviroSmart using our existing EnviroSmart collection materials? 

Unfortunately, EnviroSmart is not participating in any collection programs. We suggest that you order our new UPS labels and you can ship the cartridges using these new labels. Simply cover the existing labels with these new UPS labels.

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Is the Recycling Collection Program still available in Alaska, Hawaii and Canada? 

No. Due to the high cost in freight associated with shipments from Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and the US Territories, there are no separate Ink or Laser collection materials available outside the continental United States. 

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Can we ship one cartridge back at a time? 

Our UPS return labels have been created for our customers who have the cartridges already in bulk containers, not individual cartridges. You can combine the cartridges in the same box. However, the print heads on Ink cartridges can easily be damaged. Therefore, if it is convenient, we ask that you separate Ink cartridges from Laser cartridges.

Tip: A large box from a case of copy paper can be ideal for your Laser cartridge returns. A switch to UPS from FedEx makes the entire process much simpler.

You can give the package to a UPS driver or drop it off at any location of The UPS Store?, UPS Drop Box, UPS Customer Center , or UPS Authorized Shipping Outlet. Or, if it is more convenient, you can call 1-800-PICK-UPS or go to http://www.ups.com to request a pickup. However, UPS may charge you a minimum of $10 each time you call.

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Do you accept remanufactured or compatible Laser cartridges? 

In an effort to continue our environmental service to you at no cost, Recycle Free must enforce our new policy of not accepting remanufactured cartridges or compatible cartridges. In the past, Recycle Free maintained its policy to accept all cartridges, including these non-virgin cartridges, all while costs continued to increase. These non-virgin cartridges have little or no value in the industry as they have been physically altered in one way or another and will likely fail another remanufacturing attempt.

Please do not ship Epson ink tanks, Canon Ink Tanks or ribbon cartridges, as they do not qualify for this program.

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What do we do with our boxes after they are full? 

Once you place the prepaid return label on a large box, you can give the package to a UPS driver or drop it off at any location of The UPS Store™, UPS Drop Box, UPS Customer Center, or UPS Authorized Shipping Outlet. If it is more convenient, you can call 1-800-PICK-UPS or go to ups.com to request a pickup.

Tip: A large box from a case of copy paper can be ideal for your Laser cartridge returns. Another great recycling tool.

When our handlers receive your shipping containers with the used cartridges, we scan and record your return. At the end of each quarter we create a status report specific to your organization listing the number of good cartridges you've sent back for recycling, and we produce a check for the appropriate amount.

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How do we order replacement return labels? 

Simply complete our re-order form online, email us or call us directly.

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Is this program available in the continental United States? 

Yes, our Inkjet & Laser collection program is available in 48 states. Due to economic reasons, it is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and the US Territories.

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Are there any costs charged to our organization for participating in this program? 

This program is absolutely free. Unless we have posted a special buy, we never charge you for anything, including the collection bins, return labels or shipping costs. 

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We want to plan a recycling program, what do we do first? 

Complete the registration form and we’ll rush you the collection materials. Someone may call you directly to follow up.

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How long does it take to get paid? 

Recycle Free does not offer payments for cartridges returned. Our recycling program is a green initiative. However, we do offer fundraisers - The Bar and The Dream programs.

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We are anxious to start recycling. How long does it take to receive the collection materials? 

You can begin your recycling efforts immediately. However, your collection materials take approximately two to three weeks to arrive. 

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How can we access a customized flyer for our fundraiser? 

Our sample flyers have been created for organizations to use immediately. Simply use your organization's address stamp or label in the space provided. Or, request a customized flyer to be sent to you via email. Recycle Free can also customize a flyer for your fundraiser.

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What do you do with the cartridges that are collected? 

Cartridges are cleaned, refilled and repackaged. Once completed, they are sold back to office supply resellers & distributors nationwide.  

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 How are the cartridges inspected? 

Our facilities record and conduct an initial inspection of each cartridge received. Further inspections are also administered. 

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Can we ship the collection bins if they are not full? 

Yes you can. However, it is more cost effective if your boxes are full. We suggest you ship the collection bins or shipping boxes on a monthly basis. 

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We noticed that many Laser cartridges we purchase include a postage-prepaid return label for our cartridge returns. Shall we use these labels instead of the ones from Recycle Free?

Labels are available from many sources, however we ask that you use our FREE service than the services of the big companies such as Hewlett Packard and the rest. Help the little guys. 

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Do you still have any of our original EnviroSmart envelopes?

If you do, we will issue a pickup free of charge. These materials will ultimately take thousand of years to decompose and are being sent to our landfills. Let's work together to help our environment. Please Email Us and let us know if you have anymore. See below for sample pictures.

 

Can you ship us labels instead of boxes for our Laser cartridge returns?

Yes. We no longer provide Laser collection boxes. Instead, we ship you UPS return labels to affix to your own large boxes. Please do not ship one cartridge per label. We request a minimum of 6 Laser cartridges per box. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

 

How can we receive a monthly shipment of collection materials?

This is simple. New customers can simply check the appropriate box on our registration form. In addition, existing customers may issue a re-order and select the necessary change.


Why do Ink Tanks have no value?

Ink tanks (i.e. - Canon, Epson, etc) that do not have a print head are not subject to any US Patent or Trademark infringements. Thus, re-manufacturers can legally produce their own at a very low cost. If we were to accept them for payment plus clean and re-manufacture them, we would not be a profitable company and have the ability to provide you with a quality recycling program. 


We have a warehouse full of cartridges. Do you provide pickups of cartridges from wooden skids?

Yes. We can provide a pickup of multiple skids from your location at no cost through a local or national freight carrier. 


 

 

 


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