1. Life cycle assessment (LCA) addresses questions too complex for the “Reduce/Reuse/Recycle” hierarchy
1.1 “Reduce/Reuse/Recycle” is a useful starting point
In order to put the end-of-life impacts of toner and inkjet cartridges into proper perspective, it is necessary to first examine the hierarchy of possible end-of-life processing outcomes. At the bottom of the hierarchy is landfill disposal, the least desirable option. At the top are recycling and reuse, which offer the greatest sustainability benefit