Apr 7 2008
HP today announced it has partnered with the State of California to implement a print cartridge recycling and environmental printing program throughout State agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 500 tons per year after full implementation.(1)
The collaborative program couples print cartridge recycling with a unique rewards system that provides points toward upgrading printers to more efficient HP models. Piloted with the State Board of Equalization last year, the program begins with free return and recycling services for HP ink and toner cartridges through the HP Planet Partners program. If fully implemented statewide, the program would divert 100 tons of print cartridges from landfills annually.(2)
Additionally, as State agencies purchase and recycle HP print cartridges, they earn points with the HP PurchasEdge rewards program that can be used to accelerate their replacement of older printers with newer, more energy-efficient HP models – saving the state as much as $2 million per year.(3) HP also will provide a new tracking and reporting process so each participating agency will receive reports on its contributions toward statewide environmental performance goals.
“I’m very excited to announce this project and encourage every state agency and department to recognize the big impact small actions can have to reduce our environmental footprint,” said State and Consumer Services Secretary Rosario Marin. “Working together to find creative ways to reduce pollution and save money is the best model for a public-private partnership. We strive to be green, while saving lots of green.”
Announced in tandem with the Green California Summit and Exposition, the program is now rolling out at the Department of General Services and will be available to all State agencies by the end of the year. Some agencies are already in the implementation planning process, including the Employment Development Department, State Treasurer’s Office and Air Resources Board.
The program aligns with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s executive order to reduce grid-based electricity use in State buildings by 20 percent by 2015, and thereby reduce the associated greenhouse gas emissions. The collaboration with HP will create more opportunities for the State to upgrade to printers with energy-efficient technology and duplexing features that significantly reduce paper use and increase statewide energy savings.
“HP is proud to work with California State agencies to continue building upon a shared commitment to environmental responsibility,” said Michael Hoffmann, senior vice president, Supplies, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. “The initial success of this program highlights just one way HP can help customers reduce the environmental impact of printing while also decreasing costs.”
Pre-addressed, postage paid, high-volume collection boxes placed at each State agency ensure an easy process for return and recycling. HP then tracks and documents the returns in accordance with the California State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign. These customized materials are provided by HP to the State free of charge.
If all State agencies follow the lead of the State and Consumer Services Agency, Department of General Services and HP, the State of California is estimated to recycle as much as 100 tons of HP inkjet and LaserJet print cartridges per year.
Note
- Estimate based on conversion of outdated printers to newer, energy-saving HP printers. Greenhouse gas emissions expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents.
- One hundred tons of print cartridges recycled annually are achieved only with full implementation of the print cartridge recycling program across all California State agencies.
- Figure is calculated with the combined savings from printing with HP high-capacity cartridges, points earned from HP PurchasEdge rewards program and energy and paper savings with more efficient HP printers.