DCHS Recycling Program

Recycle Cartridges for Recycled Pets

Recycle Cartridges for Recycled Pets is an on-going fundraising program at the Dubois County Humane Society. We are asking individuals and businesses to donate all of your empty inkjet, laser and fax cartridges to the shelter to help pay for medical care and feeding of abandoned and neglected animals being housed at the shelter. We now accept cell phones, too!

What types of cartridges are accepted?
The DCHS accepts ALL laser and inkjet cartridges, regardless of the size or manufacturer.

Does recycling printer and fax cartridges really help the environment?
Yes! In addition to helping the DCHS help animals in need, donating your used cartridges is also an environmentally responsible choice that can substantially reduce waste and conserve our planet's valuable resources. Did you know:

• The plastic, iron and aluminum parts used in printer and fax cartridges are non-biodegradable, yet only 5% of all cartridges are recycled
  

• Every year, over 300 million cartridges are thrown away. In terms of weight, that's equivalent to over 30,500 African Elephants!
  

• In 7 months, cartridge re-manufacturing can save more oil than was spilled by the Exxon Valdez in Alaska

What about mobile phones? Are they that bad for the environment?
Unfortunately, old cell phones become disposable devices that end up as toxic additions to the nation's landfills. Nationwide, only about 1 percent of used phones are recycled or reused. It all adds up to a huge, growing volume of toxic electronics in U.S. landfills. Cell phones are full of pollutants such as lead (primarily from solder), arsenic and brominated flame retardants. Older phones have NiCad batteries, which contain cadmium, a toxin and suspected carcinogen.

At the current rate, an estimated 130 million cell phones – or about 65,000 tons of waste – will end up in U.S. landfills or incinerators next year.

I want to help! How do I donate my empty cartridges or cell phone?
The DCHS cartridge recycling program is quick and easy! Simply stop by the Dubois County Humane Society on Saturdays 12:30-2:30, or Wednesdays 4:30-6:30, to drop your empty cartridges at our Recycle Cartridges for Recycled Pets collection site.

Or to have cartridges picked up at your business location, please contact us by phone at 634-1955 or by email at dchsmail@yahoo.com to arrange a pick-up schedule.

Why not do a "paws-itive" thing and ask your friends, family and co-workers to start recycling cartridges and cell phones for recycled pets today!