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How to Recycle Ink & Toner Cartridges
Inkjet and laser-printer cartridges are reusable or recyclable through manufacturer mail-back and take-back programs. They contain plastic, metal, electronics, and residual ink or toner.
Check local acceptanceUsually no cash value for an empty cartridge; working, unopened OEM supplies may have resale value.Last reviewed October 4, 2026
Quick answer
Use the cartridge maker’s return program when available. HP, Canon, Brother, and other brands have their own instructions. Staples currently lists ink and toner cartridges for in-store recycling and advertises 500 Easy Rewards points per eligible cartridge, up to 6 cartridges (3,000 points per calendar month; exclusions apply). Do not put cartridges in curbside recycling; they are small mixed-material products. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- Usually no cash value for an empty cartridge; working, unopened OEM supplies may have resale value.
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Leave the cartridge intact; do not rinse it, drill it, or empty remaining ink or toner
- 2Put the protective cap or tape over the print head only if the manufacturer’s return instructions call for it
- 3Place each cartridge in a bag or the original packaging to prevent leaks during transport
- 4Use a prepaid label or approved collection box for the specific brand and cartridge type
- 5Keep cartridges out of heat and do not ship visibly leaking or damaged cartridges without asking the program first
Where to Recycle
- Manufacturer mail-back programs
- Authorized office-supply or retailer collection points, where offered
- Municipal e-waste or household hazardous-waste programs that explicitly list cartridges
Special Instructions
The most reliable route is brand-specific take-back, not a generic recycling claim. Check the manufacturer’s current eligibility and shipping instructions; some programs accept only original-brand supplies, and laser-toner return programs may be separate from inkjet returns. Record the brand and cartridge model, then check whether the program accepts that exact supply and whether it requires a return label or minimum quantity. Keep residual ink or toner contained and use the requested packaging; do not empty toner powder or rinse ink into a drain to prepare a return.
Environmental Impact
Take-back programs can reuse parts and recover plastics and metals while keeping leftover ink and toner out of paper and container-recycling streams. Reuse is especially valuable because a cartridge’s molded body and electronics can serve through more than one cycle.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Not Accepted
- Curbside recycling carts
- Loose cartridges in paper or container recycling
- Cartridges from another brand in a brand-restricted mail-back program
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: Usually no cash value for an empty cartridge; working, unopened OEM supplies may have resale value.
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
FAQs
Can I recycle empty ink cartridges in my blue bin?
No. Use a maker, retailer, or local program that explicitly accepts cartridges; curbside systems are not designed to sort them.
Should I throw out a cartridge that still has ink?
No. Use the same approved take-back route, but package it to prevent leaks and follow the program’s instructions.
How do I recycle Kyocera or another brand's toner cartridges?
Start with that printer manufacturer's supplies-return page or authorized dealer and check the exact cartridge model. A different brand's return label may not cover it, and inkjet and toner programs can have separate rules. If no maker route fits, ask a retailer or local electronics collector whether it accepts your cartridge, including quantity limits and packaging instructions.
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Recycle ink & toner cartridges
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