Printer Cartridge Recycling Programs

There are nearly 2 billion ink cartridges sold each year, with an estimated 350 million ending up in landfills. This is not only harmful from the perspective of the extra waste in landfills, but also in that it takes up to 5 ounces of oil to manufacture a new cartridge. By recycling your ink and toner cartridges, you can not only keep them from ending up in a landfill, but also contribute to remanufacturing programs that can help eliminate much of the waste involved in manufacturing brand new cartridges.

Printer Cartridge RecyclingA number of different organizations and even printer manufacturers themselves offer programs that make it easy for users to recycle their empty cartridges, and some can even help you contribute to charity as you do it. Here are a few recycling programs you can take advantage of:

Cartridges for Kids and Other Charities

The Cartridges for Kids program not only recycles cartridges, cell phones, and other electronics, but allows schools and organizations to earn money for each item donated. Organizations can visit the site to find enrollment instructions, then spread the word around the community. Check with your favorite charity to see if they offer a similar program as a fundraiser.

Office Stores

Many office stores such as Staples and Office Depot provide recycling programs right inside the store. This is one of the most convenient options, as shoppers can simply return them without the need for mailing labels and trips to the post office. Many of these programs even reward buyers with cash that can be used to purchase replacements.

Ink Technologies

Ink Technologies offers our own recycling program for toner cartridges, but you will need at least 8 empty cartridges at a time to take advantage of it. After filling out the form, you will receive a bag with a return label for shipping.

Manufacturer Programs

Most manufacturers such as HP, Epson, and Xerox have recycling programs available as well. Some provide credit toward new cartridges when you send in your empty ones for recycling. Unfortunately, you will often be paying more when purchasing directly from the manufacturer. Check your printer manufacturer’s website for a recycling page.

Millions of reusable cartridges are dumped into landfills or incinerated each year.  These can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, making them quite a burden on the environment. Recycling is therefore very important, and remanufactured cartridges made from recycled cartridges are available at much lower costs, providing users a lower-cost alternative.

Robyn Warner
Robyn Warner has been writing since she learned how to hold a pen. She wrote her first book of poems before the age of 10. Though creative writing is her preference, she is enjoying life in the technical blog world. Robyn’s goal in her 30s is to use her writing to inspire fellow cancer survivors and have a job that gives her the flexibility to live anywhere and never wear shoes.

4 Responses to “Printer Cartridge Recycling Programs”

  • […] enough to produce remanufactured cartridges equivalent to OEM cartridges will almost always offer a cartridge recycling program.  This is just a way to make the process of recycling your empty cartridges simple and free by […]

  • […] In 2009 alone, over $17 billion was saved on utility bills in the US because of Energy Star machines. Given the choice between a printer that is Energy Star certified and one that is not, you should almost always choose the Energy Star model. You will have the benefit of reduced energy consumption, with little to no impact on functionality, and be sure that you are doing your part to help the environment, while also decreasing your energy bills. Also remember that you can have an even greater impact on the environment by taking part in printer cartridge recycling programs. […]

  • […] avoid unnecessary waste. Thankfully, many organizations and even the major manufacturers now offer recycling programs to help reduce […]

  • […] you can see, it is very important to recycle your toner cartridges. You can even go a step further to reduce your office’s carbon footprint, however, and […]