Another toner cartridge just went dry in my printer. Time to buy a new one -- and time to recycle the old one.

You definitely don't want to dump your old inkjet cartridges in the garbage. Even when they're out of ink, they're still full of toxic chemicals which can leach into the ground and pollute our land and water.

But how do you recycle an inkjet or laser-printer cartridge?

First step, check with your local retailer. Stores like Staples and Best Buy collect toner cartridges for free.

Next step, check with your local charities or community groups. Many collect cartridges, which they then turn in for cash, which helps fund their local efforts.

Next, go online, and see if you can donate your cartridges to support a cause. Be-cartridge.com will take your used cartridges and cell phones and make a donation to groups like Habitat for Humanity or Helen Keller Worldwide.  Be-cartridge.com lets you select from charities like Big Cat Rescue and The Wildcat Sanctuary.

Finally, go online and sell your used cartridges for cash. Be-cartridge.com is just one of the sites that will pay you a few dollars for every cartridge you send in. 

So don't let those used-up inkjet and toner cartridges sit around in your house or in a landfill. Recycle them, and do some good in the process!