(1)   Does the department have a policy regarding the use of remanufactured printer products as opposed to buying new ones; if so, does the department assess the cost and re-useability of the product as part of its decision-making in regard to the policy.

(2)   Does the department have a policy directive to use remanufactured printer products and, by doing so, lower the balance of payments through reducing imports.

(3)   What environmental standard has the department put in place in regard to the disposal of printer cartridges.

(4)   Is the Minster aware that several of the printer companies are now putting chips in printer cartridges so that they cannot be re-used.

(5)   Does the department have any contractual arrangements with Lexmark or Epson; if so, is the department party to any ‘Prebate’ program.

(6)   Does the department know what happens to the printer cartridges when they are empty.

(7)   With whom does the department hold a printer supply contract and what are the conditions of the contract.

(8)   How much does the department spend on printer cartridges each financial year.

(9)   Does the department use Planet Ark to recycle cartridges.

(10)   Does the department use foreign companies such as Corporate Express when purchasing printer cartridges.

(1)   The Treasury’s policy regarding the use of printer products has been based on value for money along with environmental and occupational health and safety considerations. Due to unverifiable cartridge yield levels, toner quality, toner ingredients and associated non-warrantable device service costs caused by defective cartridges the Treasury currently uses Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) cartridges only.

(2)   See above (response to Question 1).

(3)   All spent toner cartridges are sent to Planet Ark for recycling and safe disposal.

(4)   Yes.

(5)   The Treasury has no contractual arrangements with manufacturers. ATI is the Treasury’s managed print services provider (see also response to Question 7). ATI purchases prebate cartridges on behalf of the Treasury. ATI then uses Planet Ark to recycle the spent cartridges.

(6)   Yes, ATI coordinates the recycling of spent printer toner cartridges through Planet Ark. Details of Planet Ark’s recycling process are available on their website.

(7)   The Treasury has a full managed printer supply and services contract with ATI, part of the ATI Group Pty Ltd, an Australian owned, small to medium enterprise. The Treasury has a three-year managed printer services contract with an option of two additional two-year terms. ATI owns and maintains the printers and is responsible for the installation of new equipment, removal of redundant equipment, onsite valet service, provision of consumables and other process support services.

(8)   Approximately $150,000 per annum.

(9)   Yes, via ATI.

(10)   No.