Where To Recycle Ink Cartridges

Businesses can recycle ink cartridges through manufacturer return schemes, charity recycling schemes, office supply takeback services, specialist cartridge recycling companies, or a commercial waste provider. Empty ink cartridges usually shouldn’t be placed loose in general waste or standard mixed recycling.

It’s important that workplaces treat cartridge disposal as a business waste stream. Empty ink cartridges may look small, but they can build up quickly in offices, schools, shops, warehouses and print-heavy workplaces.

Businesses can recycle printer cartridges, as long as they use the correct route that matches the quantity and cartridge type. If you’re producing the occasional cartridge, a manufacturer or charity return scheme is likely suitable. However, if you’re producing larger quantities, you may need a regular cartridge recycling collection or commercial waste arrangement.

Never assume your business can use household recycling centres, as many of these sites restrict trade waste. If printer cartridges are generated through work activity, even if your business is run from home, that waste is classified as business waste and should be treated as such (GOV).

Ink cartridges and toner cartridges may seem similar, but they’re not always treated the same way.

Ink cartridges usually contain liquid ink and are used in inkjet printers. Toner cartridges contain fine powder and are used in laser printers. Some cartridges may be classed as WEEE if they need electric currents or electromagnetic fields to work. If you’re unsure what cartridge type you’re dealing with, it’s wise to consult with your provider.

The key point for businesses is not to guess. If cartridges are collected as WEEE, toner waste or another waste stream, the paperwork should describe them correctly.

Some charity cartridge recycling schemes accept cartridge waste from businesses. If your business is only producing small numbers of cartridges, this may be a viable option. However, before you proceed, it’s important to check:

• Which cartridge brands and models are accepted
• Whether toner cartridges are included
• Whether freepost or collection is available
• Whether business quantities are accepted
• How data, packaging and courier requirements work

This will ensure your waste isn’t rejected when it arrives at the charity.

Offices, schools, estate agents, accountants, warehouses, print rooms, healthcare admin departments and public-facing businesses are likely to generate cartridges regularly.

If your business fits this description, it may be beneficial to create a simple internal process:

• Put a labelled cartridge box near printers.
• Ask staff not to throw cartridges in office bins.
• Keep used cartridges in original packaging where possible.
• Separate ink cartridges from toner cartridges if the recycler asks.
• Arrange collection before boxes overflow.
• Check waste paperwork and provider authorisation.

Mark Hall, Recycling Expert, confirms:

If you’re unsure of how to dispose of kitchen knives in your business, Business Waste can handle the entire process. Speak to our expert team today, or get a free quote by filling in the form below.