Toner is the ink in the printer, copier or fax machine which is responsible for the print. This comes ready for installation, direct into the machine, inside a specific cartridge. It is always recommended that the correct unit be used for specific machines.

Using the correct cartridge avoids the risk of damage to the printer or copier, and it's important to know when the toner cartridge needs to be replaced. Todays' machines often have a light to warn you that the toner needs replacing, but these are often a little premature. the quality remains fine, but the low toner LED warns of low toner.

In instances like this, you know the machine is able to print quite a few more copies before the ink exhausts itself, so you can actually safely print a few hundred more pages before the print quality deteriorates. To get this to go that little bit further you can shake the cartridge. This revives the level of the toner and helps to get a bit more value for money out of it. However if you are printing a big job, it is always best to insert a new cartridge if the low message appears.

Always make sure that you have a replacement cartridge available, that way if the low signal comes on, because there is nothing worse than being caught out without a spare, especially if you have a big print job pending.

I hate that feeling of having to get out 100 packs for an Annual General Meeting, only to find that in the middle of it all, you have 2000 blank copies of ruined paper and a 2 hour deadline, but no cartridge.

Don't remove these ink cartridges unless they have to be replaced - this is important. Toner cartridges are not environmentally friendly, and are a potential health hazard. If you do spill it, you should immediately wash it off your skin and be aware that it is almost impossible to remove from clothing

The expiry date on toner cartridges applies whether they have been opened or not. Find a local recycling centre who can dispose of them for you. Some recycling centres donate some of their proceeds to local charities, so it's worth contacting local charities to see if they can recommend a recycling operation.

Don't be tempted to break toner cartridges to see how the work, there are specific guidlines as to their disposal. Landfill is not an option because of potential ground pollution, they need to be recycled.

Be careful when handling toner ink cartridges. Pay attention to the manufacturers guidelines and you will have no problems. Should a problem arise, you should either simply phone the toner manufacturer or a recycling company for instructions.

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