Fax Machines

Alternative ways to recycle
Illegal in Garbage & Drains
Recycle With E-Waste

Dispose of fax machines as e-waste at the Resource Recovery Facility at no charge.

Trash Bin

Never Throw in the Garbage

Fax machines are made with metals that are toxic to the environment when not properly processed, so don’t throw them in the garbage.

Alternative Ways to Recycle

Staples

Staples' Take Back Program

Staples offers free, in-store recycling for unwanted electronics, including fax machines, desktop computers, tablets, printers and other electronics. Locate your nearest Staples.

canon

Canon Consumer Products Recycling Program

Canon offers a recycling program for certain consumer products like fax machines. Check if they can repair your item here or if they can recycle your item here.

Ways to Reduce

Send a Fax Electronically

Instead of buying a fax machine, send and receive your faxes online with a service like MyFax or eFax for a monthly fee.

Opt Out of Junk Faxes

If you receive junk faxes from solicitors, opt out of receiving them. By law, companies that send junk faxes must include contact information so the recipient can opt out. To learn more, check out this FCC guide.

Double Sided Paper

Use Both Sides of the Paper

Create a pile of paper that’s been used on one side next to your fax machine and use it to send faxes.

Buy Used or High Quality

Look into purchasing a used fax machine that’s in good condition, or buy a fax machine that’s high quality and will last a long time. Both of these options are better for the environment.

Did You Know?

The Problem of E-Waste

E-waste is a dangerous business in India and China, where e-waste recycling plants release toxic chemicals into the air and cause health problems for recycling workers. To learn more about e-waste, check out The Story of Stuff Project.