Disposing of old office copiers involves more than unplugging an appliance and coordinating its transport out of a facility. Many modern multifunction copiers are located in small print rooms, offices on high floors, or confined areas where doors are narrow and access is restricted. Such challenges make the process of copy machine recycling complicated for facilities departments, particularly if removal of a bulky machine does not disturb the rest of the working area.

Facilities should initially examine the location of the copier in question before planning for its removal. Facilities managers need to measure the size of doors, halls, elevators, and stairs that lead to a building's loading dock. They need to determine if the machine can be relocated with the use of existing equipment or requires special handling. Moving such a large device without due precautions may become a hazard for employees and the equipment itself.

The company must coordinate the removal of the copier with the office manager, IT department, and the provider of the copier service. Some copiers may be leased, financed, or subject to some service agreement. In such a situation, it is necessary to clarify the ownership and the responsibility for returning before starting the process of removing it. The toner cartridges and other supplies need to be managed in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and the recycling provider.

When all the issues regarding the ownership and access have been sorted out, it is necessary to contact the right recycling provider to discuss acceptance and collection and possible preparations. The information about the size, location, and conditions of access of the copier will help assess the feasibility of the pickup.

In case of replacement of the copier, one can make removal of the old machine a part of the procurement and installation process. It is important to organize the removal of the copier along with the delivery of its new version to avoid problems.