Staples Launches 'Recycle for Education' Program
Staples has introduced a new program that raises money for U.S. public schools by recycling used inkjet and laser toner cartridges. Read More
At a time when public education is facing massive budget cuts, Staples has introduced “Staples Recycle for Education,” a new program that raises money for U.S. public schools by recycling used inkjet and laser toner cartridges.
Staples will donate $1 for every eligible cartridge recycled in its stores, with a nationwide goal to raise $5 million for public education. All funds generated in each U.S. state will be distributed by the NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education (NFIE) to educators in that state.
“This program is an easy way for Staples to join forces with our customers and educators to help public education and the environment,” said Joe Vassalluzzo, Staples vice chairman.
“Public schools are hurting,” said Robert Ganem, senior program manager for The NEA Foundation. “‘Staples Recycle for Education’ will raise millions of dollars for classrooms and help defray the costs that teachers spend out of their own pockets on school supplies.”
An inkjet printer can be found in nearly every home in America that has a computer — a number that is growing daily. According to industry statistics, 80% of inkjet cartridges are thrown in the trash, where it is expected they would remain in the waste stream for centuries, instead of simply recycling them for reuse. The “Staples Recycle for Education” program makes it easy to recycle used inkjet and laser toner cartridges in clearly marked recycling bins at all 1,100 Staples store nationwide.
“By turning trash into cash, Staples is helping to educate the public on the value of recycling,” said Heather Cowley of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. “These products are more of an environmental problem than most people realize and Staples’ program will both raise environmental awareness and boost education budgets.”
More information about the program is available online.
