Quick Verdict
Printers and copiers are e-waste in Oregon, and larger office-class copiers have an additional concern: most multi-function copiers and large production printers have internal hard drives that store images of every document they have ever processed. Before disposal, the hard drive must be wiped, removed, or destroyed. Small desktop printers are straightforward Oregon E-Cycles drop-offs. Large office copiers are commercial-scale haul jobs that often require the manufacturer's buy-back or end-of-lease pickup.
This guide walks through the two tiers and the data-security issues people miss.
Two Very Different Devices
Desktop Inkjet and Laser Printers
Small home or home-office printers weigh 5 to 30 pounds, are free Oregon E-Cycles drop-offs, and rarely have hard drives. Exceptions: some business-class laser printers (HP LaserJet Enterprise, Canon imageClass) have network drives or memory modules that retain print job data. For most consumer printers, a straightforward E-Cycles drop-off is all you need.
Office and Production Copiers
Multi-function copiers (MFPs) from Canon, Xerox, Konica Minolta, Ricoh, Kyocera, Sharp, HP, and others can weigh 200 to 600+ pounds. They have internal hard drives, sometimes multiple, that cache every scanned, printed, and faxed document. End-of-lease or end-of-life disposal has both physical and data-compliance dimensions.
The Data Security Issue Most People Miss
A typical 50-page-per-minute office copier has a 250 GB to 1 TB internal hard drive. That drive caches:
- Scanned documents
- Print job queues
- Fax transmissions
- Network authentication tokens
- Address books
- Saved job templates
If that drive leaves the building with the copier and ends up in an uncontrolled disposal stream, your company's documents -- employee records, financial statements, contracts, customer data -- can be recovered by anyone with commodity forensic software. This is a documented source of data breaches.
What to Do
Before disposal:
- Request a secure-erase certificate from the manufacturer or service provider.
- Physically remove the hard drive and destroy it (shred, drill, or secure-erase).
- Retain documentation of destruction for compliance files.
Most copier manufacturers offer end-of-life data sanitization for a fee, either on-site or in-shop. Some leases include it in the return package. Ask explicitly -- do not assume.
See our e-waste recycling certifications explained article for how certified recyclers handle data destruction.
The Removal Process
Small Printers (Desktop)
- Unplug all cables.
- Remove any installed paper and toner/ink cartridges (can often be recycled separately through manufacturer programs).
- Drop off at an Oregon E-Cycles location.
Cost: free.
Office Copiers
- End your service contract or lease.
- Arrange hard drive sanitization (manufacturer, service provider, or certified data destruction service).
- Schedule copier removal with a commercial haul provider or through the manufacturer's take-back program.
- Retain all documentation.
Cost: variable. Manufacturers sometimes pick up at no cost as part of a replacement or lease return. Third-party hauls scale with size.
See our commercial junk removal office cleanout article for office-wide cleanout scoping.
Industry Baseline Range
| Scope | Industry baseline range |
|---|---|
| Junk removal, what most homeowners spend per load | $150 to $350 |
| Junk removal, full national range | $70 to $570 |
Source: HomeGuide, "Junk Removal Prices" national cost guide.
These are industry baseline ranges for planning only and may not reflect Otesse's price. Otesse pricing is calculated for your specific home and ZIP code, so enter your ZIP in the price box on this page for your instant price.
Current Market Reality
Baseline ranges assume straightforward disposal with adequate lead time. Real office cleanout scenarios often involve six-month-old broken copiers sitting in back rooms, end-of-lease rush jobs that skip data sanitization, and property-manager pressure to clear a space before lease expiration. The shortcuts create compliance exposure. Budget time and money for proper data handling alongside the physical haul.
How printer and copier jobs compare with one another:
| Scope | Relative cost (lower to higher) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small desktop printer, E-Cycles drop-off | Free | Free program |
| Small printer via junk removal (bundled) | Lower | Minimum load applies |
| Medium office copier (100-300 lb) | Middle | Rigging and haul |
| Large production copier (400+ lb, rollers) | Higher | Commercial haul with specialty equipment |
| Data sanitization certificate (separate) | Separate line item | Manufacturer or 3rd party |
Every job is different, so the real number depends on the details above. Enter your ZIP in the price box on this page to see your instant price.
Toner and Ink Cartridge Recycling
Toner and ink cartridges have their own recycling streams:
- Most major printer manufacturers (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother) offer free prepaid return labels through their websites.
- Office supply stores (Staples, Office Depot) accept empty cartridges for recycling.
- Many copier service providers include cartridge return in their service contract.
Do not landfill cartridges if you have a return option. For the broader recycling context, see our how to recycle electronics and oregon electronics recycling law explained articles.
Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
Most major copier manufacturers have end-of-life take-back programs, often free if you are replacing with a new unit:
- Canon Green Initiative
- Xerox Equipment Recycling
- Konica Minolta Clean Planet
- Ricoh End-of-Life Equipment Recovery
- HP Planet Partners (for HP printers specifically)
These programs typically include certified data destruction, certified recycling of the physical unit, and compliance documentation. They are usually the cleanest option for office-class equipment.
Lease Returns
If your copier is leased (Canon Financial Services, Xerox Financial Services, GreatAmerica, CIT, De Lage Landen are common Oregon lessors), the lease return process usually includes:
- Scheduled pickup on the lease end date
- Data sanitization (confirm in writing -- some leases exclude this)
- Return shipping or local pickup
- Charges for missing parts, damage beyond normal wear, or incomplete return
Read the lease carefully. Missed return dates can trigger continuation charges that run into thousands of dollars.
Office Cleanouts: Bundled Scope
If the copier is coming out as part of a broader office cleanout (desks, cubicles, chairs), bundling with a commercial junk removal provider makes sense. Pricing is more efficient at volume, and a single provider can coordinate the printer haul with the rest of the furniture and equipment. Ensure the provider handles data-bearing equipment properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my old home printer in the trash? Legally, Oregon discourages it. Practically, a small printer in curbside trash is a common (if not ideal) path. The correct path is Oregon E-Cycles, which is free.
What about the paper and envelope feeders and supplies that came with the copier? Paper goes to regular recycling. Feeders and accessories go with the unit.
Do laser printers have hard drives? Most consumer laser printers do not. Enterprise laser printers (HP LaserJet Enterprise series, Canon imageClass enterprise models) may have network storage or memory modules. Check the specification sheet.
Can I resell an old office copier? Yes, there is a secondary market for recent-model copiers in Oregon. Used-copier dealers buy working units. Pricing is generally 10-30% of original, depending on age and condition.
How long does a commercial copier haul take on site? For a mid-size office copier with good access, 30 to 60 minutes. Large production units in basements or upstairs can take 2 to 4 hours.
Scheduling
For desktop printers, use Oregon E-Cycles (free). For office copiers, coordinate with the manufacturer or a commercial junk removal provider. Contact Otesse or visit our Otesse junk removal service page for commercial office scope.
