Properly Dispose of Ink Cartridges

Throwing spent ink cartridges into the garbage is bad for the environment and a waste of plastic. Unfortunately, some components of the cartridges make it so we cannot recycle these at home. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to reduce the impact of our printing waste and make sure these cartridges don’t just sit in landfills.

Steps

Taking Spent Cartridges to a Retailer

  1. Determine your best option. Taking empty cartridges to a store is the surest way to get something back aside from a sense of satisfaction. If you print and buy frequently, this is the way to go.
  2. Find the right store. Most office supply stores will accept spent cartridges as part of a rewards program, so you’ll want to find a place that you visit frequently. Local participation may vary.
    • Office Depot accepts ink cartridges as part of their rewards program.
    • Staples accepts cartridges purchased from them and will provide a $2 rewards credit.
  3. Keep the cycle going. Often these programs reward with discounts on more ink. Keep returning them to keep saving money!

Returning Cartridges to the Manufacturer

  1. Determine if your manufacturer has a recycling program. Many manufacturers package their ink cartridges with a returnable envelope. If not, check the manufacturer's website or call to see if they support a recycling program.
  2. Pack the cartridges. Manufacturers will often specify guidelines on how to pack and ship the spent cartridges to avoid leakage. Make sure to follow their specific instructions.
  3. Ship the cartridges. Once the manufacturer receives the cartridges they will handle the recycling. Give yourself some credit - your effort is helping the environment!

Refilling Cartridges to Use Again

  1. Determine if reuse is right for you. Reusing ink cartridges is low-cost and very environmentally friendly, but you do have to wait while the cartridges are cleaned and refilled.
  2. Check that your cartridges are supported for refill. Some cartridges are not designed for refill. Others also may not be accepted by retailers for various reasons.
  3. Find a refill location near you. Major retailers like Walgreens or Costco will fill empty cartridges for a fee.

Registering With a Recycling Program

  1. Find the right program. There are a number of independent charities or programs that will accept or even pay money for spent cartridges. Think about a cause you want to support but also keep in mind the scale. Often these organizations are targeting businesses for donations.
    • Some organizations may have volume or frequency minimums in order to use their service.
  2. Sign up for the program. Whichever program you settle on, most require that you enroll in order to donate. Typically there is a simple web-form you can fill out to register.
  3. Start contributing. Once you’re signed up, most organizations will send you shipping supplies and instructions on how to donate.

Tips

  • Place cartridges in Ziploc bags. After your first donation, the company will provide the envelopes for you.
  • Conserve ink! Be conscious about how much you print. Don’t print in color when black & white will do.

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Sources and Citations

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