Helping the environment, one cartridge at a time

Tori Sutton
Staff Reporter
The fact an ink cartridge takes 250 years to disintegrate in a landfill really bothers Cartridge World franchise owner Rob Clipperton.

Even more troublesome is that a toner cartridge takes up to 450 years to break down.

Those environmental consequences were a major contributing factor in Clipperton’s decision to open Cartridge World in the Stratford Mall at the end of June.

“The whole idea of recycling is growing every day,” he said, noting he’s always had a bit of entrepreneurial spirit and was interested in starting his own business.

Though he considered doing it all on his own, after extensive research he thought it best to open a Cartridge World franchise, mostly for the development and support the chain offers.

Though there are only 22 locations in Canada, Cartridge World boasts 1,700 locations around the world. It has its own team that formulates inks, which are almost identical to the ones produced by printer manufacturers – they can’t be exactly alike or they violate patent laws.

That’s one of the biggest differences between the fill-it-yourself kits and letting the professionals handle the job. The generic inks in the at-home kits often do not match the quality of a stock printer cartridge.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing,” explained Joe  Sigl, head technician and Clipperton’s brother-in-law.

The other big difference is the cost. A refilled inkjet cartridge can cost up to 50 per cent less than a new one and the savings on toner cartridges can be about 30 per cent.

Both Clipperton and Sigl travelled to San Francisco for extensive training before the store opened, learning how to use the specialized machinery required to do the job.

Sigl said it’s important to educate customers about the ink refill process. For example, if you don’t happen to have your empty cartridge on you, the store may have one that has been refilled on the shelf, ready to go. All they ask is that next time you bring all your empty cartridges in.

If one hasn’t already been refilled, customers can expect a 10 to 15 minute wait.

A cartridge is easier to refill if it hasn’t dried out, so Sigl recommends the cartridge is removed from the printer when it becomes low instead of waiting for it to run out completely.

He suggests placing it in a resealable plastic bag and placing it in the refrigerator until it is ready to be dropped off.

Any cartridges that are damaged or not suitable to be used again are recycled. Local charities and community groups can also sign up for a program in which they can raise funds by bringing in empty cartridges.

So far, response has been good, with a return-client base already building.

“We take pride in what we do,” said Clipperton. “When we can see people walk out the door with a smile it makes up happy.”

PHOTO: Cartridge World recently opened in the Stratford Mall, offering refill services for inkjet and toner cartridges. From left, Joe Sigl, head technician and Rob Clipperton, franchise owner, pose in the front of the store. (Tori Sutton)