Sustainability and Recycling at Xerox

Today we are going to look at sustainability and recycling at Xerox. I think we can all agree that we all need to recycle, reuse and reduce the use of all our natural resources from trees to electricity.

Sustainability

Xerox has been at the forefront of many products, features and technologies that help to create a green and sustainable workplace.   These include but are not limited to:

• Inventing double-sided copying in 1969
• Introducing the first post-consumer recycled paper products in the early 1970’s
• Introducing products in the 1980’s that automatically powered down or went into a “sleep mode” years before Energy Star programs were conceived.
• In the late 90’s we established a waste-free platform to design waste-free products and to manufacture in waste-free facilities.
• Xerox initiated a cartridge return program so that cartridges can be remanufactured.
• In the 2000’s we introduced the solid ink technology that reduced packaging and energy use.

The list goes on, Xerox has been working toward sustainability for over 40 years.  Check out this document that highlights Xerox Sustainable Roots.  Another good source of information about Xerox’s commitment to sustainability is Create a More Sustainable Office – this website will explain the present actions being taken toward sustainability and includes links to learn more about the technology, products and services to assist you in reaching your sustainability goals. 

Another comprehensive resource about Sustainability is the Preserving our Planet website. At Xerox, we align our goals for the environment, health and safety in six key areas to make a worldwide impact. They are carbon footprint, paper, clean air and water, waste, chemical management and health & safety.  We strive to maintain the highest standards for preserving our environment and enhancing the health and safety of our employees and communities.

Recycling 

Efficient use of paper is the first step to reducing the amount of paper that needs to be recycled.  Review the information on the Efficient Use of Paper at Xerox website.  Please review the information about the Xerox partnership with the PrintReleaf.  PrintReleaf is a reforestation program that has planted more than 2 million trees to offset more than 17.4 trillion letter pages of paper so far.  The video link below is a quick review of the program.

https://youtube/4HHq8r5xZik

Consult the Xerox Green World Alliance site for information about recycling used toner cartridges and supplies for free. On the page select your country and select continue for the programs available in your country.  Over the last 20 years, our supplies recycling programs have kept more than 145 million pounds of waste out of landfills.

Did you know you can recycle your printer?  Recycling equipment is a way to keep them out of the landfill.  Consult the Prevent and Manage Waste website for information on the programs offered including the Xerox equipment takeback and recycling program.  In 2019 in the US alone 2.4 million pounds of Xerox products were diverted from landfills through customer equipment return programs.

Another option is to donate your used equipment. The equipment can then be passed on to non-profits, public agencies, and schools that train people with disabilities, students at risk, and economically disadvantaged persons.

Create a greener workplace for your employees and customers, future generations will thank you.