What This Request Is For
Use this request to permanently remove a campus network printer from service. IT will remove the printer from PaperCut, release its network name and IP address, and coordinate physical disposal. Once retired, the printer will no longer be accessible to any user.
This action is permanent. Once a printer is retired from PaperCut and the network, it cannot simply be re-enabled. If you may want to use the printer again in the future — even in a different location — use
Request a Printer Move instead of retiring it.
Faculty and staff only: Printer retirement requests must come from a faculty or staff member in the department responsible for the printer.
When to Use This
Use this offering when:
- Your department no longer needs a printer and wants it permanently removed from PaperCut and the network
- A printer has reached end of life and is being disposed of or returned to a vendor
- Your department is consolidating printers and decommissioning one or more devices
- A printer is being replaced by new hardware and the old one needs to be fully removed (submit a separate Request Printer Installation for the new device)
When Not to Use This
Don't use this offering if:
- You want to move the printer to a different location rather than remove it permanently — use Request a Printer Move instead
- The printer is broken or not working but you still want to keep it — use Report a Printer Problem on this service's main page
- You just want to remove the printer from your Mac without decommissioning it — see How to Install or Delete a Bowdoin Printer in the Related Articles section; no request needed
Before You Submit
Have the following ready before filling out the form:
- The printer's name or location (building and room, or the name as it appears in PaperCut)
- Whether the printer should be physically disposed of or if your department is handling disposal separately
- Your preferred timeline for removal
Note: There is no cost to retire a printer. IT will remove the printer's name and network configuration within 2–3 business days. Physical removal is coordinated separately — IT may request that your department submit a Facilities work order for the physical pickup, depending on the situation.
What Happens Next
The Service Desk will review your request and reach out within 2–3 business days. IT will remove the printer's name and network addressing, after which the printer will no longer be usable even if still physically present. Physical removal will be coordinated with your department and Facilities Management as needed. You'll be notified when the removal is complete.