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This subtopic addresses computer and printer ink and toner cartridge reuse
and recycling. In the arena of printer cartridges, the terms reuse and
recycling are commonly used interchangeably, and thus incorrectly. For
definitions of the terms reuse and
recycling, see the Waste Prevention World
definition page.
If an ink or toner cartridges has been used under normal circumstances until
it is empty, it can be managed by one of the following means:
- Disposing of the container in the trash, or at an appropriate solid
waste facility.
- Shipping the container for reclamation or reuse.
In general, if an ink or toner cartridge contains a substance that is
hazardous, and if those substances remain in an unused or defective
ink or toner cartridge, then the cartridge must be managed as hazardous
waste when they are disposed. To learn what is in any particular ink or
toner cartridge, consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by
the manufacturer. (See the heading "Material Safety Data Sheets"
below.) To keep things simple and to be safe, you may
manage all ink and toner cartridges that are not empty as hazardous waste.
Consult your local hazardous waste agency.
Add information to the Information Exchange.
CIWMB Publication
-
Have You
Gotten Charged Lately?—Describes the benefits of recycling your
used computer printer ink/toner cartridges. Includes testimonials by
California agencies, including the California Integrated Waste Management Board,
on their experience using recharged printer ink/toner cartridges.
Other Resource
Other Documents
-
Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Letter—From DTSC to Hewlett Packard Inc., July 23, 1992. The relevant part of this letter
is the disposal of both empty and not empty ink cartridges if the
cartridges contained or contain a substance that is toxic, ignitable,
reactive, or corrosive, as prescribed by regulation, or is specifically
listed in the regulations as hazardous, which would classify the
substance as hazardous waste. (PDF, 404 KB.)
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)—Learn
what hazards might be associated with the contents of ink and toner
cartridges of the following manufacturers. If you find
MSDSs for ink and toner cartridges of other manufacturers, please
e-mail wpinfoex@ciwmb.ca.gov,
so they can also be posted on this page.
Websites
- Cartridge Reuse and Recycling Programs
- CURE Recycling—Collects
empty inkjets, and used cell phones from consumers. The ink cartridges and
cell phones are inspected and used again.
- Enviro Solutions' Printer Cartridge Recycling Programs—Provides businesses and non-profit, educational, and charity organizations with fundraising opportunities by collecting inkjet cartridges.
- Freerecycling.com—Set
up your own inkjet cartridge and cell phone collection program. Free
recycling will pay you for cartridges and cell phones the you collect.
- Fundraising Factory—Provides businesses and nonprofit, educational, and charity organizations with fundraising opportunities by collecting inkjet cartridges.
- Green Fund Network—Provides businesses and nonprofit, educational, and charity organizations with fundraising opportunities by collecting inkjet cartridges.
-
HP Product Recycling—A program to cycle computer equipment and printer supplies.
-
Planet Green Inc.—Provides
an inkjet and laser cartridge program to benefit individuals, schools,
churches, and nonprofit organizations. Most cartridges are reused.
Those not suitable for reuse are recycled. Planet Green Inc. also has
a cell phone collection program.
- RCR Imaging Products—Printer
repairing.
- recycle-FREE—Provides
businesses and nonprofit, educational, and charity
organizations with fundraising opportunities by collecting inkjet cartridges.
- T3Toner—Buyback
of empty toner, inkjet, fax, and copier cartridges, and of surplus
inventory, expired, excess, overstock, and outdated printer supplies.
- University of
California, Davis—A model campus reuse and recycling program.
- Cartridge Refurbishing and Refilling Equipment
-
The
Legality of Using Remanufactured Cartridges—From the County of
Ventura's Waste Less website
(Adobe PDF, 1.55 MB).
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