If you own a printer, then you are certain to generate empty cartridges. Recycle them! You may also someday find yourself with some full unused cartridges, when you move to a new printer. Don’t just huck them in a dumpster. Recycling ink & toner cartridges will be easy and free through these avenues:
Recycling Offered by Printer Manufacturers
Most printer manufacturers offer free & easy recycling options. You can usually locate information about those by Googling for the manufacturer name + “cartridge recycle”. But maybe these links will save you some searching:
- HP’s Planet Partners (including Samsung cartridges)
- Epson’s Recycling Program
- Canon’s Ink Cartridge Recycling Program
- Lexmark Cartridge Collection Program
- Brother Toner Ink Recycling
Recycling Search Websites
Earth911 offers a nationwide search tool to give you ideas of who recycles ink and toner cartridges near you.
Much of the time, this search tool is going to direct you to your closest Staples, OfficeMax, Target or Goodwill store. Those storefronts commonly have dropboxes where you can freely deposit your empties.
If you patronize one of the big office supplies stores, ask if they offer any recycling incentives or credits. You might earn some $$$ off your next purchase there!
Mail-In Services
There are so many companies who would love to take those cartridges off of your hands. Some may have a noble goal of raising money for a charitable cause. Others may pay you for your cartridges (although it may only become worthwhile for you to do so if you have a large quantity to recycle). Consider these outfits:
If you know of a great mail-in service for recycling printer cartridges, please let everyone know in the comments. Thank you!
Good to know, I’ve been chucking mine. One of the online suppliers I used to use sent mail envelopes to return the old cartridges, but I lost track of them.