Choosing what you do with your used, non-perishable ink cartridges can easily help you create and sustain the reputation in your industry (and community) as being a green business. By purposefully and thoughtfully discarding your printer’s used cartridges, you’ll be minimizing the carbon footprint your business leaves on the planet, saving money, and establishing yourself as a business owner who is aware of your environment and the impact your choices make on it. Here are some solutions for your used ink cartridges:

Refill and reuse your used ink cartridges

You’ll lower your business operating costs by making the commitment to purchase and use only factory remanufactured printer cartridges at your business. By using the same casing and simply having the ink refilled, you’ll be reducing the number of physical cartridges being manufactured for the first time, as well as minimizing the shelf space new cartridges require at both warehouses and at your business location. Most of the factories that off remanufacturing of used cartridges produce the same quality of ink cartridges as brand new ones. They are able to accomplish this environmentally-friendly feat by adhering to the same standards as original cartridges. In fact, today’s top-notch ISO 9001/14001-compliant cartridge remanufacturing factories use the same testing procedures that are performed at plants that manufacture new cartridges. Moreover, by reusing your ink cartridges, you can expect to be offered an exceptional warranty and pay as much as 60% less than what new cartridges cost.

Recycle your used ink cartridges

Today, nearly all of the materials used to create printer cartridges can be recycled. By donating, returning, or selling your used ink cartridges to your local copier company or community, you can sleep well at night knowing your company’s used ink cartridges won’t end up in a landfill with all the other 1 billion used cartridges currently being dumped in landfills each year. Some office equipment and supply companies make it super easy for you to get into the habit of recycling your used ink cartridges by creating websites that include a one-step process (downloading a free shipping label) to adhere to your package of used ink cartridges and have them shipped to a recycling destination.

Return your used ink cartridges

Another easy and hassle-free way to discard your used cartridges is to simply return them to the original manufacturer or the office equipment and supplies company where you purchased them. By contacting them to take the cartridge off your hands (and shelf space), they’ll know what to do with them. You might get compensated in money, savings, or discounts for returning them to the company where you purchased your copier. At the very least, you’ll get satisfaction from being environmentally-friendly.

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Printing Practices in 2025

Let’s face it — in 2025, being a “green business” isn’t just a PR stunt anymore; it’s a survival move. With the global printer cartridge waste projected to exceed 1.5 billion units annually, more companies are taking sustainable office solutions seriously. Businesses are now adopting closed-loop recycling programs — systems that recover, clean, and refill cartridges multiple times before disposal. This circular economy model doesn’t just reduce environmental waste; it also helps businesses slash operational costs by up to 70%, according to recent industry reports. The big win? You get to print guilt-free and show customers that you actually walk the talk when it comes to sustainability.

Partnering With Cartridge Recycling Programs

Here’s something a lot of companies overlook: partnering with certified cartridge recycling programs can actually boost your brand’s reputation and compliance score. Programs like HP Planet Partners, Canon’s Recycling Initiative, and local ISO-certified recyclers make it ridiculously easy to participate. Most even provide prepaid labels and bulk collection bins for offices that go through tons of ink each month. Some businesses are going a step further integrating cartridge recycling into their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals and sharing their results publicly. It’s not just eco-friendly; it’s excellent marketing fuel for LinkedIn and sustainability reports.

Making Sustainability Part of Your Brand Story

If your business isn’t talking about sustainability, it’s already behind. Consumers today, especially Gen Z buyers are willing to spend more on brands that show real environmental accountability. Turning your printer cartridge reuse and recycling habits into part of your brand story is a simple but powerful move. Highlight how your office minimizes cartridge waste, supports local recycling drives, or donates refilled units to schools or nonprofits. This isn’t just feel-good fluff, it’s authentic, measurable impact. In a world where “greenwashing” gets called out instantly, transparent sustainability actions are the ultimate differentiator.

Donate your used ink cartridges

Since some companies will reimburse you in money, products, services, or coupons for used ink cartridges. consider donating your used cartridges to local charities or community projects so that they can reap the benefits of recycling or reusing the cartridge. If you choose this option, be sure to call ahead to confirm with a key decision-maker at the charity or department where and when to drop off the cartridges.

These days, most of your business equipment and supplies can be easily recycled, returned, reused, or repurposed ~ your ink cartridges included. While there are plenty of options for what to do with used ink cartridges, there are two simple things not to do with your used ink cartridges:

• Toss them into your regular trash bin (to just end up in a landfill).
• Let them collect dust on your shelf (prime space that can be used for something else).

Contact us for more information on the recycling process.  Play your part by engaging in activities that are environmentally friendly.

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