Buying Empty "Virgin" HP Cartridges for Recycling on eBay

[pasharain]

Buying Empty "Virgin" HP Cartridges for Recycling on eBay
How to make a little money while saving the planet.

Whilst searching for something else entirely, I stumbled upon an eBay listing for "Empty Virgin HP Cartridges." Apparently, "virgin" means never refilled. It occurred to me that by buying these cartridges I could maximize my recycling rewards at OD. I searched for the lowest price and, more importantly, a reputable seller by checking feedback.

I purchased 50 cartridges for $.30 each and stood to profit $1.70 per cartridge by recycling. It all seemed too good to be true. But, a few days later, I happily accepted my box from UPS and recycled 20 cartridges the next day! Note: Starting July 1, 2011, can only recycle 10 cartridges per month.

Since they occassionally run $5 per cartridge recycling specials, it is best to recycle at the end of the month. Holding out to the end of the month ensures you do not miss any such specials.

VERY IMPORTANT
At OD, you can only get back recycling reward "money" up to the amount you have already spent in the store.

IF YOU DO NOT PLAN TO SPEND FIRST, DO NOT RECYCLE. THEY WILL NOT PAY YOU FOR CARTRIDGES IF YOU HAVE NOT PURCHASED ANYTHING IN THEIR STORE.

You can recycle up to 10 cartridges per month, which are valued at $2 each provided you spend $2 in the store for each cartridged recycled prior to recycling rewards being issued.

Starting July 1, 2011: Your Rewards will expire at the end of any quarter in which you have earned less than $10. Rewards balances less than $10 on June 30, 2011 will be carried over to the next calendar quarter. Any balance less than $10 on September 30, 2011 will expire.

If any of this does not make sense, please ask. I will be happy to help you.

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[chitownmelli]

I love this post! Thank you very much for the tip!

[pasharain]

Moving up to organize forum.

[geum]

I usually pay cash when I buy stuff at OD, so if I recycle my ink cartridges, will they pay me $2 each or I won't earn anything for these? Thanks in advance!

[pasharain]

I usually pay cash when I buy stuff at OD, so if I recycle my ink cartridges, will they pay me $2 each or I won't earn anything for these? Thanks in advance!

You can pay cash, but you have to be sure they scan your Office Depot rewards card at the time of each purchase and when you turn in cartridges for recycling. If you do not have a rewards card, it is free to sign up in the store or online --click HERE.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

[geum]

oh I got it. Thanks! Everything is overpriced at OD, so do u think it's a good idea to buy MIR software and let them scan my reward, then recycle the cartridges later?

[Sweet_Southern_Mama]

Staples has a rewards program for recycling as well, and I don't believe you have to buy anything first. I'm not sure about the rewards amount b/c I haven't done it in a while.

ETA: Here is the info from Staples' Website.

Ink Recycling
Recycle any ink or toner cartridge, up to 10 per calendar month, and get $2 back in Staples Rewards per cartridge. Ink Recycling Rewards are issued monthly, separately from your other benefits.

So I guess it's a trade-off. You can only do up to 10 per month, but you aren't required to have bought anything.

[Sweet_Southern_Mama]

Question: Do they HAVE to be "virgin"? Staples never seems to care what they are or what they look like. It looks like the non-virgin ones are cheaper.

[roxygirlie1021]

Question: Do they HAVE to be "virgin"? Staples never seems to care what they are or what they look like. It looks like the non-virgin ones are cheaper.

I'm curious about this too. I'm assuming the dirty ones would be fine. I always recycle my ink cartidges after they are empty, so those would be considered dirty, right?

[pasharain]

Question: Do they HAVE to be "virgin"? Staples never seems to care what they are or what they look like. It looks like the non-virgin ones are cheaper.

"Non-virgins" are cheaper, but you do run the risk of them not being accepted if they are overly dirty or broken, which many non-virgins for sale are. Many times, the sellers of non-virgin cartriges are are trying to make money off of otherwise useless cartridges. At about $.30 a pop, I opt for the Virgin ones.

On an ethical note, I have a good conscious buying virgins as well as I am not giving OD something they cannot use.