DEAR SUN SPOTS: In early April we turned in 10 empty computer ink cartridges for the recycling program at the Staples store in Lewiston. We were told to expect a Staples Reward coupon for $20 in about two weeks.

That did not happen, so I checked with a store associate and was told I probably just missed the cycle and should receive it in the next two weeks. Again, nothing.

Back to the store where they gave me an email address to check on the status. I received a reply stating that as of March 15 a new policy was in effect that a minimum purchase of $30 or more of ink or toner would be required within 180 days of returning your empty ink cartridges for recycling.

They claim that an email was sent to their customers. (It could have been regarded as spam and deleted in my computer.) They also claim signs were posted in the store (I didn’t see any) and customer online sites carried the notice. There’s no reason for me to have checked my online account since I had not purchased anything. Certainly no mention by the store clerk about this requirement.

Although I was not aware of their new policy, I understand it and realize a refund or rewards coupon will not be issued. However, it would be quite unfair for Staples to keep my merchandise if I am not compensated for it. I need your help to get my empty ink cartridges (or 10 other empty ones). I have written to the company and am not getting any replies. — Joseph, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots doesn’t understand why you’d want the empty cartridges back, as they have no value and at the very least were disposed of properly, but hers is not to wonder why but to serve.

So she called the Lewiston store, where the manager, who had not heard of Sun Spots (shocking!) was nonetheless most displeased at the idea of talking to the media (he would not even answer the next really simple question about a Staples service, which is downright silly), told her she had to call the national media relations line and hung up.

So when Sun Spots was in her local store she showed one of the managers there your letter. That manager said that when you turned in your cartridges you would have received a receipt and that the new policy would have been outlined on that. She said a store could not just give you cartridges.

Sun Spots thinks it’s highly unlikely that you will ever get them back. She speculates that the new policy was instituted to avoid people picking up dozens of cartridges at transfer stations or pulling them out of discarded printers and cashing them in to buy laptops or tablets or other expensive electronics, on which the stores have a very narrow profit margin.

Sun Spots has sent an inquiry to the national media relations email. She has made note of your address and if Staples decides to send you the cartridges, she will have them sent to you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The woman who asked about shredding services may want to call Staples. I recently noticed that the Copy Center (at the Augusta store) offered shredding services at a reasonable “per pound” rate. Our local store may offer the same service. Hope this helps. — No Name, Leeds

ANSWER: You are quite right. Staples has an agreement with Iron Mountain shredding. At the Staples Copy Center is a locked bin. Your documents are weighed and dropped in it. Iron Mountain picks up the bin when it’s full and shreds and disposes of the papers within. The cost is 79 cents a pound.

As noted above, the manager at the Lewiston store declined to speak to Sun Spots, so she called back and without identifying herself went directly to the Copy Center line and verified that the Lewiston store participates as well.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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