Get Rewarded for Recycling

Printer ink cartridges can take up to 1000 years to decompose.  To encourage recycling (and cut costs by reusing), many ink companies include postage-free return envelopes with their ink cartridges.  But if you want a bigger nudge for helping the environment, try Staples’ ink recycling program.  Staples gives $3 in store credit for each ink cartridge or toner (any brand) dropped off at one of its stores, up to 10 per month.  The credit is not provided immediately; it is sent to your inbox within a month and you must show your Staples Rewards card (Staples’ free loyalty card) at drop-off to receive it.  But for $3 and helping the environment, giving your email address and waiting a couple of weeks is a small price to pay – and you have over two months to use the store credit once it gets to you.