How to Recycle Laser and Inkjet Printer Cartridges

With so many individuals and businesses making use of laser and inkjet printer cartridges, finding ways to recycle those cartridges just make sense.  Doing so helps to reduce the raw materials used in making new cartridges while also preventing even more waste piling up in landfills.

• Check with the manufacturer.  Many companies that produce printer cartridges operate recycling programs that allow customers to return those used cartridges using postage-paid envelopes.  In some cases, the manufacturers may even respond with a discount coupon that can be used to toward the next cartridge purchase.


• Look for recycling programs in the local community.  It is not unusual for office supply stores or even some local charities to operate a recycling effort that includes the collection of used laser and inkjet printer cartridges.  Information on the locations of collection boxes is sites can often be obtained from those organizations.


• Take the recycling effort online.  In many nations, there are organizations that accept used cartridges from all over the country; some even classed as a donation to an authorized charity.  Details regarding the recycling programs, including how to participate, are found on a web site operated by the organizations.


• Refill those used cartridges.  In addition to passing the cartridges on to other organizations, look into the possibility of using a refill service available locally.  Many office supply stores as well as pharmacies have the ability to refill certain types of cartridges at least once or twice.  The refill cost is lower than that of buying a new cartridge, and you still have the option of turning the old one in for recycling when refilling one more time is no longer feasible.