Micro-jet Technologies brings affordable printer ink home

As it turns out, replacement ink cartridges for my printer were so outlandishly priced that it was cheaper for me to buy a brand new printer and get the free cartridge it came with. How was I to react to something like that? Well, again, I imagine I did what most people would have done: spouted a lengthy string of colourful language and left with a “free” ink cartridge, a brand new printer I didn't need or want, and a running list in my head of all the friends I have who might.

If only I'd known then what I know now.

Micro-jet Technologies is a family-owned and operated enterprise located on Sherbrooke St. west of Decarie that specializes in cartridges. Their mission statement is nothing short of helping save the environment — and your money while they're at it! How do they do it?

By recycling used ink cartridges.

“An ink cartridge is made up of so many working parts that remain perfectly intact once the ink is gone. It seems like a shame to me to just throw it out when it still works fine,” says Rafael Peralta, founder and owner of the store, along with his wife Elizabeth (but please, call her Lisa). Having started out packaging diskettes in a warehouse, Rafael eventually worked his way up to full partner of the company and set up a new office in Miami, eventually becoming the number-one exporter of generic brand ink cartridges to South America. After importing and exporting in the U. S. became substantially more complicated after Sept. 11, 2001, Rafael returned to Montreal and started a business of his own.

Micro-jet Technologies sells both generic and brand-name cartridges, but what really distinguishes them is their recycling policy. They sell recycled cartridges for anywhere from 40 per cent to 60 per cent less than the same cartridge when new, depending on the brand. You can further discount your purchase by bringing in your own empty cartridge, which they will buy from you for $2 to $12, also depending on the brand.

“When schools and offices recycle all their printer and photocopier cartridges with us, it saves them a lot of money, and it’s good for the environment too,” points out Rafael. We may not all be able to contribute in those kinds of bulk numbers, but the general rule of thumb when saving the environment is every little bit helps.

And if it saves you 40- to 60 per cent on a new printer cartridge in the process, what more could you ask for?

Micro-jet Technologies

5484 Sherbrooke St. W.

514-487-4657

Printing, Faxing, and Internet services available in store