I sent this same message a couple months back, and will continue sending it every time I have the following experience purchasing a new ink cartridge.
I was very happy several years ago to find that HP was including with all its ink cartridges an envelope with pre-paid postage that customers could use to send back their cartridges (ostensibly, so that they can be recycled).
However, I was dismayed when opening my black HP 94 ink cartridge today.
First, I had to cut through an immensely tough plastic casing - perhaps so CVS can ensure the least loss of products.
Inside that plastic casing is the cardboard container that can be hung up on display racks.
Inside that cardboard container, I discover that only half of the cardboard case is taken up with the product - the rest is completely empty.
Now I come to a plastic/foil wrapper, which contains the actual ink cartridge. This is not recyclable, and must be thrown away.
Inside that foil wrapper, the cartridge is encased in a piece of supportive cardboard.
Finally, I am to the ink cartridge. All that stands between me and black ink is a plastic tab that must be taken off and thrown away - it is not recyclable.
Now it's time to recycle my old cartridge. First I need to separate the return envelope from a highly-processed piece of paper advertising MORE HP products.
Finally, I must remove the mail-back envelope from its plastic wrap, which must be thrown away because it is not recyclable.
At last, I can send back my old cartridge (regardless of what happens after it disappears into the mailbox) so as to minimalize the immense amount of environmental guilt I'm feeling now.
HP: If you're really interested in environmental protection, cut down on the amount of materials you use to encase your products. I will remain a happy and faithful customer, as will many others.
Thank you,
-Elizabeth
