Not too many people would argue against the proposition that throwing your ink or toner cartridges in the garbage -- not to mention your printer or scanner -- is bad for the environment. But what are the alternatives?
Many of the major manufacturers offer recycling programs in which users can return empty cartridges. The used cartridges are separated into their separate materials and then either recycled or disposed of.
Some companies also recycle hardware, such as discarded printers. However, unlike cartridge recycling, these can involve a cost to the consumer for shipping and handling.
Here is a list of some of the programs offered by major printer/scanner vendors for cartridge and/or hardware recycling:
Canon Recycling Programs:
- Printer Cartridges:
Canon offers instructions on its Web site to return single, multiple, and bulk cartridges using labels for prepaid shipping. Instructions are included for the U.S. and Puerto Rico, for Canada, and for outside North America.Link to Canon Cartridge Return Program
- Hardware:
Consumers are offered a link to the EPA's Resource Conversation Challenge page, which has links to state-wide collection events (when we clicked on about 10 states, we found no events scheduled), and a few outside recycling companies and organizations.
Epson Recycling Programs:
- Hardware:
Printers and scanners can be returned for recycling for $10 per item (Epson says it will send a $5 coupon for online purchases at the Epson Store).Link to Epson hardware recycling program
Hewlett-Packard Recycling Programs:
- Inkjet Cartridges:
Up to two cartridges can be returned in postage-paid envelopes. Businesses can return larger volumes of cartridges via postage-paid bulk collection boxes.Link to HP inkjet recycling program
- LaserJet Cartridges:
Cartridge boxes should contain packaging instructions and prepaid shipping label, or labels can be found online. There are also online instructions on returning up to eight cartridges, or you can order postage-paid bulk collection boxes.Link to HP LaserJet recycling program
- Hardware:
Printers and scanners can be returned for recycling within the continental U.S. for $13-$34 per item. Other rates are available for large quantity (over 10) items, and for orders from Alaska and Hawaii.Link to HP hardware recycling program
Lexmark Recycling Programs:
- Toner/Ink Cartridges:
Lexmark provides instructions and shipping labels on its Web site for free return of toner and inkjet cartridges. Cartridges can also be returned through participating resellers.Link to Lexmark cartridge recycling program
Hardware:
The Lexmark Equipment Collection Program allows customers to return any end-of-life Lexmark-branded product free of charge (the customer pays for the shipping). There are online instructions on where to send your printer.Link to Lexmark hardware recycling program
Xerox Recycling Programs:
- Cartridges:
Xerox offers instructions on its site for returns from U.S. and Canadian customers, with prepaid labels for specific devices (some devices have cartridges which cannot be recycled, and aren't included in the program).Link to Xerox Cartridge Recycling Program
