If you’re one of those printer owners who throw away their ink Cartridges once empty, you’re missing the opportunity to save money. Recycling used printer ink cartridges will not only earn you cash from trash, but it also reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills, thus helping you do your part in saving the environment.

Here’s how to recycle your ink cartridges and save money for a rainy day.

Sign up for rewards. Many ink manufacturers have loyalty or incentive programs to encourage customers to send back used ink and toner cartridges. In return, customers may receive reward points that may be used to purchase new cartridges or discounts on future product purchases. Reward points, used in conjunction with discount codes from coupon sites, will significantly reduce the amount you have to spend on purchasing new ink cartridges (which you can then collect for recycling again!).

List the details. One thing you need to do before having your cartridges sent off for recycling is to make a note of the specs, especially if you have cartridges from different manufacturers (it happens when you change printers frequently or collect cartridges from friends). Write down the details of the manufacturer and the model number for each one. If possible, take a photo of the cartridges just in case a buyer, recycling facility, or manufacturer asks for it.

Contact an office supply store. More often than not, major office supply chains have their own recycling programs in place, and if they have a branch in your area (where you probably bought your cartridges), call them to ask about their ink cartridge recycling process. Most would offer a certain amount of in store credit for a particular brand, so don’t forget to let them know what you have before turning the cartridges in.

Sell online. There are many sites that offer to buy empty cartridges at various prices depending on the brand. The prices are usually listed, but do take note that prices may vary, so take your time to look around to see which buyers would give you the best offer. In some instances, you may need to categorize the cartridges you have according to brand. Shipping costs would usually be shouldered by the buyer, but don’t forget to verify.

Another option is to sell your empty cartridges at an auction site, especially if you have a lot of them. Selling in lots would make your listing more attractive to those looking for empty cartridges in bulk, plus it also helps you save time. Don’t forget to indicate whether your cartridges have been refilled or not. Here’s a tip: if your empty ink cartridges have never undergone a refilling, they may go for a higher price.

Go to your local recycling center. Some cities would already have their own recycling facilities catering to everything from paper to electronics, so check with your local recycling center to see if they will accept ink and toner cartridges in exchange for cash. It’s better if they have a webpage (usually part of the solid waste management website) so you can contact them directly via phone or email. Happy recycling and saving!