What to do with the old printer?

As we head towards the end of the financial year, many businesses may be looking to upgrade their offices and facilities. Perhaps it’s time to update your computers and IT equipment to the latest models (it’s gotten a bit more awkward to keep asking for Microsoft files to be re-saved) or maybe you’re finally ready to get rid of the paper-jams in your printer once and for all.



Once you’ve upgraded your equipment, the question then becomes - just what to do with that old printer or those out of date computers. Before you shove it into the storage room to gather dust and to be forgotten about, consider these other solutions for disposing of old equipment, in a much more eco-conscious manner.



1. Recycling Near You – Planet Ark launched its website, Recycling Near You in 2006 to provide households and businesses with information on how to recycle many common consumables, including computers and e-waste. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated that in 2009 Australians dumped 1.6 million items of e-waste into landfill. Meanwhile, many of these products can include hazardous and toxic materials that can pose a threat to wildlife and even humans. Dispose of your equipment properly by contacting your nearest recycling centre to arrange pickup.



2. Donating equipment – meanwhile, if the equipment you’re replacing is still in good working order, you can make a donation to charity. Contact a number of local charities, including education associations and youth centres to see if they accept equipment donations – not all charities have the capacity or resources to take on these types of donations. Many donations are also tax deductible – speak with your financial advisor to determine how you can account for your contributions.



3. Lease equipment – for many businesses, a business equipment lease takes away the hassle of end of useful life disposal. When you take out business equipment finance, you’re paying to use equipment that is owned by the financial provider for an agreed upon lease term. Once the lease is up, you can choose to upgrade to new equipment, extend your lease or simply return the equipment to the owner – and leave the disposal considerations to them!



Whether it’s an old printer or telecommunications system – it’s worth considering the options you have to responsibly dispose of the equipment you’re replacing. Clear out the clutter in your workplace.

Business equipment finance is available for businesses that are looking to regularly update their equipment - find out more from www.flexicommercial.com.au