If you've just purchased your first office printer or copier you maybe be wondering, "How do I recycle the toner and ink cartridges?" Heck, maybe you've owned an office copier for years and you're still thinking about this question (if you're just throwing them away, please don't do that!). It's the sort of thing you don't give much thought to until you're standing next to your machine with a spent cartridge in your hand, cursing your luck that the cyan ran out on your watch.
There may be situations or locations that make recycling cartridges logistically challenging or even impossible. In most cases, however, it's reasonably convenient and good practice to recycle these cartridges. Both the plastic housing, as well as any lingering chemicals inside, are dangerous to the environment and surrounding small wildlife.
Here's How to Recycle Your Toner and Ink Cartridges
1) Ask your copier sales rep or dealer. They may have a program that makes recycling quick and easy. Here at A&A Office Systems, we offer a pre-labeled box to fill with spent cartridges, ready to ship out once it is full. Ask us how!
2) Check with the manufacturer. Most of the big manufacturers have programs to make recycling your cartridges easy. For example:
- Here's how to recycle Ricoh, Savin and Lanier ink and toner cartridges
- Here's how to recycle Konica Minolta ink and toner cartridges
3) Call your local office supply store or chain. Some, such as Staples, may offer some kind of recycling reward program.
4) Search the web for buy-back or charity organizations. There are businesses that may offer cash or other things of value for your used cartridges. A&A has no affiliation or experience with any such organizations, so we can't offer any suggestions, unfortunately. Google or word of mouth may be your best bet here.
Read More: What Does PPM Mean on a Printer?
When you recycle your used ink and toner cartridges, they may be reused in some cases, depending on their condition. In other cases, they are crushed, ground up and pulverized to make new cartridges, and their dangerous chemicals or residue taken care of properly. Either way, you are taking great corporate and personal responsibility in taking care of the earth! Good on you!