What Should I Do With My Old Copier?

If you’re upgrading to a new copier, you might be asking: What should I do with the old one?

Whether you own it or lease it, the answer depends on your situation. Some businesses return it, others repurpose it, and some even find ways to recover a bit of cash.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to consider when deciding what to do with your old copier—and how to avoid common mistakes that could cost you time or money.

What You Will Learn

• How to tell if your copier needs to be returned or if you own it
• Why your lease agreement matters
• What options you have if you own the copier
• Ways to reuse, sell, or dispose of old equipment responsibly
• How to avoid surprise fees or delays during the transition

Step 1: Do You Own the Copier or Lease It?

The first thing you need to figure out is whether the copier is leased or owned. If it’s leased, you don’t technically own the device—you’re borrowing it under specific terms.

You can usually check this by reviewing the copier’s paperwork or speaking with your provider.

If the copier is leased, move to Step 2. If you own it, skip ahead to Step 3.

Step 2: If It’s Leased, Follow the Return Process Closely

Leased copiers often need to be returned by a specific date, sometimes with written notice in advance. Failing to follow the lease return terms exactly can result in automatic renewal, additional charges, or other penalties.

Be sure to:

• Check your lease end date
• Review any return instructions (address, shipping method, packaging)
• Confirm who is responsible for paying shipping or pickup fees
• Communicate with the leasing company in writing

Return delays can result in additional lease payments, so it’s worth planning early.

Step 3: If You Own the Copier, You Have Options

If the copier is fully paid off and yours to keep, you have a few choices depending on its condition and your business needs.

Option 1: Sell the Copier

Even if it’s older, your copier may still have value—especially if it’s a business-grade machine in working condition.

You can list it:

• On used office equipment marketplaces
• Through a local IT or copier reseller
• As part of a trade-in program, if offered by your dealer

It won’t make you rich, but it can offset some of your new copier’s cost.

Option 2: Reuse It in Another Location or Department

If you have a smaller office or a department that rarely prints, your old copier could still be useful there. For example:

• A breakroom printer for occasional flyers
• A backup device for when the main copier is down
• A dedicated machine for specialty jobs like labels or thick paper

This approach helps you squeeze a little more value out of your original investment.

Option 3: Recycle It Responsibly

If the copier is no longer useful, the best move may be to send it to a certified electronics recycling center. Copiers contain materials that shouldn’t go into landfills, and many recyclers will dispose of them safely and responsibly.

Make sure to:

• Remove or wipe any hard drives
• Confirm the recycling center accepts business electronics
• Ask about pickup options or drop-off instructions

Some dealers may even offer copier removal services as part of your upgrade.

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Old Copier

The key is to act early—before you get billed for lease overages or run out of space in the office. Here’s a quick recap:

• Leased copier? Check your lease and follow return instructions carefully.
• Own the copier? You can sell it, repurpose it, or recycle it depending on condition.
• Don’t wait until it’s in the way—plan ahead to avoid unnecessary costs.

Need Help with Your Copier Transition?

At Pahoda Copiers & Printers, we help businesses upgrade their equipment without the headaches. Whether you’re returning a leased copier or looking to dispose of your old machine, we’ll guide you through the process.

Contact us today to get expert support for your copier upgrade or transition.