What To Do With Your Old Laser Printer

Thinking of tossing the old laser printer in favor for a new all one laser printer? Please think twice before chucking it in the trash. Not only is space at a premium in landfills, but most computer equipment that is thrown out can still be used. This doesn't mean you have to store it in the attic, basement or garage where it just gathers dust. With a little effort, you can act as matchmaker between your old laser printer and someone who really needs but can't afford one.

Regifting

Although "regifting" has become a dirty word implying that you are cheap, people who really know you will know that giving a used but quality gift can be just as meaningful as going out to the mall and buying a new one. Because of environmental concerns, "regifting" will probably be called "recycling". It certainly cuts down on waste.

People in your life that could use a regifted but still functioning laser printer include college students, relatives traveling to foreign countries that might not have decent laser printers available at a reasonable price and anyone in your family trying to run a small business or charity out of their homes.

Giving To Charity

If you do decide to give your old laser printer to charity, please make sure that some sort of instructions go with your generous gift. Most laser printers need software in order to make them run. Please make sure the software also goes with the printer. If you lost the directions, you can write the manufacturer. They often keep archives of instruction manuals.

What would the charity do with your old laser printer? It depends on the charity. A homeless advocacy group might use it to replace an old and overworked printer or they might give it to a deserving low income individual struggling to make it. An animal charity could always use a back-up laser printer for their efforts. Other charities often have gift shops, where your old laser printer may be sold.

There's no reason you have to make an anonymous donation of your old laser printer. Contact the charity and see if you can get a receipt of even ten or twenty dollars to show to the IRS and get a tax write-off. Some charities will give up to $50. There's no reason why you can’t take advantage of a tax break to be sure you can still donate to charity.