Home printers and scanners are becoming obsolete, much like fax machines. But fear not, we’re here to help you navigate this transition. Updated on July 28th, 2023 at 4:42 p.m. EDT and originally published on July 13th, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. EDT.(Illustration by Elena Lacey/The Washington Post; iStock)Feel free to join the conversation regarding this story. What if you didn’t have to deal with a fussy, unreliable piece of technology that costs more than it saves? It’s not only possible, but actually preferable for the average person to live without a home printer. Many of the reasons we clung to printers are no longer relevant. Boarding passes, document signing, and even filing taxes can all be done digitally. Even the medical industry, notorious for its love of fax machines, is gradually moving away from paper.Now, before you rush to the comments section to defend your printer usage, let’s acknowledge that there are exceptions. Perhaps you work from home and occasionally need to print things for work, or maybe you frequently ship packages and need labels. Or perhaps you have kids and rely on printed mazes or coloring sheets to keep them occupied. And then there are those who simply do not trust technology as much as a physical piece of paper. We’ve got help for all of you, including recommendations of two printers that aren’t as terrible.For the rest of us who are ready to break free from the clutches of “Big Printer,” here’s what you can do instead.Yes, there will still be times when you need or want to print something. In those cases, you can turn to these resources for your occasional printing needs, keeping in mind the importance of privacy.Public library: Most public libraries offer free or low-cost printing services, sometimes even to non-library cardholders. They also provide computers where you can download any files you need to print. Before embarking on a sizable print job, make sure to check your local library’s website for their printing fees, as many of them offer a small number of free black and white pages. Compare these costs to those at the local FedEx or UPS Store. Additionally, if you have a nearby community center, inquire about their printing services. Among the third-party options, public libraries often provide the greatest default privacy.Professional print shop: Options like FedEx, UPS Store, Office Depot, Staples, or local print shops are available. While you will have to pay per-page, these professional printing establishments typically offer the best results and fewer complications. If appearance matters, especially for color prints or double-sided prints, give them a try. You can usually bring your file on a laptop, thumb drive, or other device, upload it on their website, or email it to their branch-specific email address for printing. If your document is sensitive, be sure to check their privacy policy.Cafe: If you want to print while enjoying an espresso, check if any local cafes have printers available. A company called PrintWithMe has over 3,000 printers in cafes, convenience stores, and private shared areas, such as common areas in apartment complexes, across the United States. Other cafes have their own printers to attract remote workers. However, exercise caution when printing private documents.Your job: This option varies depending on your workplace and its policies. Nonetheless, many offices allow a small amount of personal printing, which is one of the few perks of going into the office in the age of remote work. Office printers are often higher volume and better equipped to handle multiple copies. However, keep in mind that many offices can track what is being printed, so avoid using the office printer for anything you wouldn’t want your coworkers or employer to know about.Security tip: Refrain from printing sensitive information such as bank account numbers at public printers.Printing photos at home can be a frustrating experience. While some may turn out perfectly, more often than not, you’ll encounter issues like streaks, low colors, or other costly problems. Instead, you can outsource your photo printing by mail or even have them printed the same day.Use an app: There are numerous apps available on iOS and Android that allow you to order a single photo or create more elaborate projects like books, cards, or other physical goods. Some apps even offer automated layout options and will select the best pictures from your crowded camera roll. For simple photo printing by mail, stick with classic services like Shutterfly or Google Photos. If you’re looking for more options such as books and cards, explore the various services and apps available, such as Mimeo, Mixbook, Popsa, Picta, and Snapfish.Local grocery and drugstores: Many stores that used to develop film have now expanded to offer photo printing services. You can submit your printing requests online and upload your images, or use printing kiosks available in-person at these locations. Consider trying CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, or other popular local chains. Additionally, there are still several independent photo labs in business, so check Yelp for options in your area.Many people hesitate to give up their home printers because they also serve as scanners. If you need more counter space or are looking for alternatives, there are options available.Scan with your phone: Your phone’s camera is powerful enough to function as a scanner for both photos and documents. For photographs, try apps like Google’s PhotoScan, Photomyne (which offers multiple apps), Pic Scanner, the Polaroid app (for instant photos), or the Kodak Mobile Film Scanner (for negatives). For document scanning, many work apps include built-in tools that convert images into PDFs, such as Microsoft Lens and Google Drive. iPhone users can utilize the “scan documents” option hidden within the Notes app.Send to a scanning service: If you have a pile or even boxes of old photographs, consider sending them out to be scanned by companies like ScanMyPhotos, DigMyPics, Memories Renewed, or your local photo lab.You may be printing things that no longer require a physical copy. If you haven’t made the transition yet, consider trusting your smartphone with the various tickets and confirmations that you usually print out. While concerns about a smartphone dying and leaving you unable to board a train or attend a conference are valid, if your smartphone’s battery is draining frequently and rapidly, it might be time to replace the battery.Tickets and passes: You can access digital versions of boarding passes, concert tickets, transit passes, and more on your smartphone. Some of these digital tickets are integrated into the pre-installed wallet apps on Android and iOS devices, while others are sent via email with QR or bar codes for scanning. In fact, you can digitize almost your entire wallet, with a few exceptions.Paperwork: Thanks to the mainstream acceptance of digital signatures on official documents, you can sign without a pen. Each institution may have its own legal requirements, but options like DocuSign, Dropbox Sign, and Acrobat Sign are widely used. For less formal documents, apps like Apple Preview offer built-in signature features. It’s even possible to notarize documents digitally now, using video chat.Return labels: This one is a bit more challenging. If you frequently order and return items, you may find yourself printing numerous return labels. However, check the websites of the online stores you purchase from to see if they offer alternative drop-off options. For example, many stores allow you to return items received in the mail at their physical locations. Amazon returns can be made at UPS Stores or Whole Foods, where you simply show a QR code and avoid the need for printing.Getting rid of your printer responsiblyIf you’re ready to part ways with your printer, make sure to discard it responsibly. Rather than throwing it in the trash, consider selling, donating, or recycling it. If you do choose to dispose of it, use local e-waste services to prevent hazardous chemicals from entering landfills. Of course, depending on your level of frustration with your printer, there’s also the option of visiting a “rage room” available in some cities or towns, where you can take out your anger on inanimate objects like printers.
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