Papp operates the Rapid Refill outlet in Pittsburg, Kansas. The Rapid Refill concept was established in 2002 in Oregon and has experienced impressive growth as a franchise over the past eight years. Papp is a franchisee and she told The Recycler that she runs the Rapid Retail outlet herself with only one other part-time member of staff.
During the award presentation at Ballys in Las Vegas, Papp was commended for recycling 6.5 tons of ink and toner cartridges in the past year alone and donating around $3,500 to local charities.
Once the valuable components are removed, any toner or ink cartridges that Papp cannot remanufacture are ground up and used in the process of road resurfacing. Papp stated, “They put it under the asphalt, and the heat generated causes this stuff to melt and adhere to the asphalt. They’re also experimenting with possible other uses.”
Papp’s business is quite small compared to other Rapid Retail outlets and she stated that she was: “surprised and honoured to be recognized by the award committee.” Her success demonstrates that remanufacturing is a viable business even in the context of a small, rural town. This new award will create positive publicity for the remanufacturing industry in the US.