Throughout this guide we explain where to recycle ink cartridges and printer toner.
There are many articles that we have dedicated to the world of recycling. It is important to be realistic about the components of our computer equipment: when they become waste they are not exactly ecological. Because of this, in this guide we tell you where to recycle printer ink and toner cartridges .
Likewise, we recommend you take a look at other similar articles focused on the recycling of other types of accessories and components. A little later we leave you a card with links of interest. But for now, let’s focus on recycling printer ink and toner cartridges . Here is some practical information for you to dispose of your spare parts responsibly.
Index of contents
- Recycling ink and toner cartridges: easier than you think
- When you are going to buy a new cartridge or toner
- When you are NOT going to buy more cartridges or toner
- What is the process for recycling printer cartridges or toner?
- How much does it cost to recycle ink or toner cartridges?
- It is not enough to just recycle ink and toner cartridges
Recycling ink and toner cartridges: easier than you think
Recycling ink cartridges and printer toner is easier than you think. It is good to remember that, since August 15, 2018 , these elements are considered electrical or electronic waste. Therefore, both manufacturers and stores that sell consumables are obliged to collect them and manage their subsequent recycling.
Taking this into account, the options available to you to safely get rid of this component are diverse. In the next two sections we show them to you.
When you are going to buy a new cartridge or toner
This is a common situation. The cartridge or toner of your printer has run out and, of course, you need to buy a new one. Taking into account current legislation, a collection service is offered to you at the store where you purchase the new consumables . And the same goes for manufacturers who sell online.
Here are some links of interest where you will find more information about it:
- HP recycling program
- Canon Cartridge Recycling Program
- Recycle with Brother
- Recycling in MediaMarkt establishments and others adhered to the Tragatóner program
- Consult recycling points for specific waste
The data provided on the previous websites will allow you to acquire new consumables and recycle what is no longer useful at the same time .
When you are NOT going to buy more cartridges or toner
In the event that you are not going to buy new consumables and you want to recycle ink or toner cartridges , the ideal is to go to a clean point . Normally, these selective waste collection sites are municipal property.
Current legislation requires population centers with more than 5,000 inhabitants to have a collection point. If you live in a municipality that meets this criteria, you will find all the information you need on the town hall’s official website , such as the location, opening hours and contact telephone number.
Additionally, it is possible to consult which are the clean points in each zone of Spain with the official website of the OCU .
What is the process for recycling printer cartridges or toner?
The process to recycle printer cartridges or toner happens, in most cases, by reusing the consumable. That means that it is restored in such a way that it can be put back on the market again. How is it achieved?
- Inspection. The first step is for the company in charge of recycling to verify that the cartridges really can have a new life. This tests that the printhead circuitry is working and verifies that there are no major defects in the cartridge or toner.
- Cleaning the toner or cartridge. If everything is correct, the empty cartridges are cleaned and prepared for a new life. Thanks to the use of pressurized steam, all the ink that could remain inside is removed. The sponges and other fundamental elements for the correct functioning of the consumable are also changed.
- Refill cartridge or toner. Once the consumable is ready to be reused, without relevant damage and with all its main elements renewed, it is time to fill them. A basic issue is that the recycling company uses quality ink or toner. Otherwise, the cartridge can be reused, but with poor quality print results. Upon completion, the cartridge or toner is sealed.
- Some final touches. The three steps above serve to give a new life to used cartridges. However, there are some details that it is good to take care of. Recycled consumables must be tested and packaged. Only in this way will they be ready to be marketed.
How much does it cost to recycle ink or toner cartridges?
No one should charge you to recycle printer ink or toner cartridges . This is a free service in the collection areas of large stores, but also in the clean points of each municipality. Sure, you may have to make a move every time you want to dispose of a cartridge or toner.
A tip to save on travel is to accumulate several cartridges or toner and carry them at once. Likewise, it is advisable to avoid using the car to bring the waste closer to the collection point, whenever possible. So the whole process is as green as possible.
It is not enough to just recycle ink and toner cartridges
There is no doubt that knowing where you should deposit your printer consumables is a good starting point. Still, recycling ink and toner cartridges is just a first step if you want to be more environmentally friendly.
We have published other guides that show you how to recycle miscellaneous hardware components. You have a link to the most important in the following box.
