220-1102 Question 723
Single answerProper toner disposalA technician is replacing several depleted laser printer toner cartridges in a small medical office. The office manager asks the technician to dispose of the old cartridges quickly because regular trash pickup is in an hour. The technician must follow proper safety and environmental practices. What should the technician do FIRST?
- A
Place the used toner cartridges in the regular trash because toner is sealed inside the cartridge
- B
Bag the cartridges to prevent toner leakage and follow the manufacturer's or local recycling/disposal program
- C
Empty any remaining toner into a sink so the cartridges can be discarded as normal plastic waste
- D
Use compressed air to clean residual toner from the cartridges before placing them in a recycling bin
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Proper toner disposal focuses on safety, contamination control, and compliance with manufacturer and local disposal requirements. In real environments, technicians should keep used toner cartridges sealed or bagged, avoid releasing toner powder, and use approved recycling or return programs when available. Toner is a fine particulate and should not be washed down drains or blown out with compressed air. These practices align with common manufacturer guidance for laser printer consumables and with standard IT support best practices for handling printer waste responsibly.
- A. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Used toner cartridges should not simply be placed in normal trash as a routine practice. Many manufacturers provide return or recycling programs, and local regulations may require handling electronic or consumable waste through approved disposal channels. Assuming the cartridge is safe for standard trash because toner is enclosed ignores environmental best practices and site policy requirements.
- B. Correct.
This is correct. The technician should contain the cartridges to prevent leaks or toner spread and then use the appropriate manufacturer take-back program, office recycling process, or local disposal guidance. This reflects standard best practices for toner handling: minimize exposure to toner dust, avoid contamination of work areas, and dispose of consumables according to vendor and local environmental requirements.
- C. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Toner should never be emptied into a sink or drain. Toner is a fine plastic-based powder and is not intended for wastewater disposal. This creates contamination and violates proper disposal procedures. A common misconception is that separating materials makes disposal easier, but toner must remain contained.
- D. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Compressed air should not be used on toner cartridges because it can disperse fine toner particles into the air, increasing inhalation risk and contaminating the area. If toner is spilled, approved cleanup methods such as a toner-rated vacuum or manufacturer-recommended procedures should be used instead. Cleaning a depleted cartridge with compressed air before disposal is not proper practice.