History of the SCRP

In 1997, Jeff Hathaway began as a salesman for a company that remanufactured empty laser printer cartridges. There was a large market for these cartridges, because buying them was more affordable and environmentally responsible than buying new cartridges. It was at this time that Jeff realized that there were many companies that wanted to buy remanufactured inkjet cartridges, but that there was no supply of this product. Most of the inkjet cartridges, the kind being used in homes and small offices, were getting thrown away.

It was 1998 when Jeff started the School Cartridge Recycling Program. Schools were in need of extra fund-raising opportunities, and they were great sources of empty inkjet printer cartridges, because of the kinds of printers in the classrooms, and in the homes of the students.

As Jeff helped schools earn money for their donated empty cartridges, word spread between the schools, and the program grew quickly. Eventually, churches and daycares became involved with the program as well.

The program now consists of hundreds of Iowa schools, churches, and daycares, and is growing constantly as satisfied members tell their friends about the opportunities offered by the School Cartridge Recycling Program.