(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)   Yes, the Department does have a policy regarding the use of remanufactured printer products as opposed to buying new ones; the cost and re-useability were considered in the selection criteria when contracting Fuji Xerox.

(2)   Yes, the Department encourages the use of remanufactured printer products.

(3)   As part of their contract, Fuji-Xerox provides a collection and recycling service for their empty cartridges. The Department uses the Network FX “Recycle for life program” for disposing all used non Fuji Xerox printer cartridges. The “Recycle for life program” provides free disposal bins and collection service.

(4)   I understand that the Department is aware that some printer companies build microchips into their printer cartridges to reduce the use of third-party or refilled cartridges. The advice is that these cartridges can be reused by returning them to the original manufacturer.

(5)   No.

(6)   Yes. I am advised that printer cartridges purchased through a ‘Prebate’ program are returned to the original manufacturer where they are remanufactured with the majority of the original cartridge being reused.

(7)   The Department does not hold a direct contract with printer suppliers.

(8)   The information requested would involve an inappropriate diversion of departmental resources.

(9)   No, the Department uses the “Recycle for life program”.

(10)   Yes.