Are you ever printing an important document when you hear that dreaded sound coming from your printer? Its the sound that means that your inkjet printer has had enough and just cant do anymore. Sounds like you are in need of new toner.
First, you have to figure out which kind of cartridge your printer takes. Obviously, this partially depends on the make and model of your printer although sometimes, manufacturers do build in flexibility in their toner compatibility. Second, of the choices available, you have to figure out what kind of toner is going to suit your needs color, grade, etc. Third, you have to ensure that your cartridge is compatible with your needed function in the case of printing pictures, for example. Finally, you have to ensure that the toner that you are looking for is within your price range.
Manufacturers of cartridges include HP, Dell, Canon, Brother, Epson and Lexmark usually available from the company that manufactures the printer itself. Ink cartridges, as with most consumables, tend to run out after a certain number of uses. As a consumer, you have the choice between buying a new cartridge straight from the manufacturer, or trying to refill your existing ink cartridges. Depending on the type of cartridge, this could be difficult or easy but is usually cost-effective if you can do it on your own. Usually, having a professional re-filler inject ink back into the cartridges is the least messy way to accomplish re-inking your products, but this can also become cost-prohibitive.
Because of their high rate of disposability and artificial composition (almost always plastic), cartridges can be bad for the environment if not recycled or disposed of properly. Many computer stores can help you recycle or reuse your ink cartridges if you do not have recycling amenities available to you, available free of charge.