Originally Posted by
Jeremiah
I've thought about this before but let me ask you guys a question.
If the gold platting is removed and the ink cartridge is still recycled through a retail store, can the cartridge ever be used again? Isn't this why these outlets are buying them? If this trend continues why would they continue to buy them? Is it really worth destroying 3000 toner cartridges to receive $30 for a pound of gold plated mylar?
Believe me, i'm not pointing fingers or claiming a moral high-ground, as I don't think in the grand scheme of things it's that big of a deal, but this was just my rational for not doing it.
I think for those removing them they figure more $$$ can be acquired by selling the mylar on Feebay. Some are taking the mylar and processing it as a savings as you are more apt to save gold than if you cashed in the cartridges for dollars. More than likely the dollars are going to be spent faster than if you have physical gold on hand. Gold for the most part should increase in value over time unlike the greenback which is not worth the paper its printed on.
As for the moral stance on turning them in without the mylar maybe ask if they will accept them without it before turning them in. You could also pm a buyer here if they will take them minus the mylar but I would venture a guess they wouldn't.
copycat 
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