5 Unexpected Non-Printing Uses of Printer Cartridges

For most of us empty ink cartridges are just that – empty and of no use. They are ready for the garbage bin or for recycling if you’re inclined to make the effort. But that isn’t all they are good for. In fact empty ink cartridges can be put to some really creative uses. We bring you some terrific upcycling ideas to put used cartridges to work; some fun and enjoyable DIY projects for you!

Eco-friendly Upcycling for Printer Cartridges
In keeping with our constantly ongoing endeavors to make a positive difference to the ecology we, like to think that there is life for an ink cartridge beyond mere printing.

1. Every part of a used ink cartridge can be useful – An empty cartridge can hold pencils and other stationery on your desk. You can use it as a divider, to separate pens, pencils, and markers. Wrap it first with decorative paper and then use hot glue to the stationery box. You can use the casing of the cartridge as a plant starter. More often than not, there is a little residual ink left over in the cartridge; you can use this for kid’s craft or painting projects.

2. As furniture in a doll house – You can paint the cartridges, cover them with paper or get creative with bits of cloth and transform them into miniature tables, stools, chairs, beds or maybe a fridge!

3. Use them as beads for your artwork – Empty cartridges can be used to sort and separate beads. You can do the same with buttons, sequins, ribbons, laces and any kind of craft work materials.

4. Lamps /desk lamps – You could stack up used cartridges to make a desk lamp. You could even fit them together in a circular formation to make a ceiling suspended lamp shade and paint them in fun, bright colors.

5. The ink cartridge wind chime – String the used cartridges and printer drums together for a cheap and cheerful wind chime!

Fun Upcycling Ideas from Pinterest

And then there are all the great eco friendly upcycling ideas for used printer cartridges on Pinterest – here are a few of the best:

• You could use these as little planters for decorative plants or as flower vases your desk or for your window sill.
• You could even use these little containers to create your very own tiny little herb garden for your kitchen – great for when you want to add a touch of lemon grass to your soup or a parsley garnish to the salad.
• Desk décor such as pen stands, clip or pin holder, paper weights, abstract sculpture and more
• Toys such as a model car, an ink-bot (robot made from used cartridges and other waste materials)
• A mobile phone stand or holder – with your phone upright, your speakers give you better, unmuffled sound so your music sounds better and the ringer isn’t muffled as well
• A cute little bird house for your garden or veranda
• 3 D wall art for your home or office
• Fridge magnets by using empty cartridges as a base and just paint them with cute faces or landscapes
• Piggy bank - stash away some money and treat yourself to a latte with a friend once in awhile!
• Photo frames - add a protective glass or plastic and you have a great DIY gift or home decor option!

So here are some ideas that hopefully triggered some more creative ideas for you. Care to share some of your own eco friendly upcycling ideas for used printer cartridges?