You can recycle ink cartridges through office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot, participating Best Buy locations, and manufacturer programs from HP, Canon, Epson,, and Brother. Some programs offer store rewards, while others provide free or paid mail-in options. Toner cartridges have separate brand and program requirements, so check the accepted items and return terms before sending or dropping them off.
Empty ink cartridges pile up in desk drawers and supply closets because it isn't always obvious where they go. Most curbside recycling programs don't accept them, but several retailers and manufacturers offer dedicated collection programs. This guide covers where to recycle ink cartridges, how to recycle printer ink and toner, what each return program offers, and what to do with the printer itself when it's time to replace it.
Where Can I Recycle Ink Cartridges?
There are several ways to return used ink and toner cartridges. Your best option depends on the cartridge brand, how many you ha,ve and whether you prefer store drop-off or mail-in recycling.
Office Supply Stores
Staples
Staples offers an ink and toner cartridge recycling program through its Rewards membership. Members earn $2 in Staples Rewards for each qualifying recycled cartridge, subject to purchase requirements and monthly limits.
To qualify:
Spend at least $30 on ink or toner at Staples within the previous 180 days.
Base Rewards members can earn rewards on up to 10 cartridges per month.
Premier Rewards members can earn rewards on up to 20 cartridges per month.
Each qualifying cartridge earns $2 in recycling rewards.
You can bring eligible cartridges to a participating Staples store or use the online return option through your Rewards account.
Check Staples' ink and toner recycling program for current eligibility and reward conditions.
Office Depot and OfficeMax
Office Depot also accepts used ink and toner cartridges from any brand or retailer through its recycling program.
Under its standard published program:
Earn $2 in rewards per recycled cartridge.
Recycle up to 10 cartridges per month for rewards.
Make a $10 qualifying purchase during the same month to receive the rewards.
Additional cartridges can be recycled, but rewards are limited to 10 per month.
Office Depot also offers a prepaid UPS shipping label for mail-in returns. However, mailed cartridges do not qualify for recycling rewards.
One distinction: Office Depot's separate Select program terms list $3 in recycling rewards per cartridge, rather than the $2 shown on its standard recycling page. Check the terms associated with your account before relying on a specific reward amount.
See Office Depot's ink and toner recycling program for current details.
Best Buy Ink Cartridge Recycling
Best Buy has a cartridge recycling page describing in-store drop-off at participating locations. Its page says participating stores accept most inkjet and laser printer cartridges from different brands.
Best Buy also participates in HP's Planet Partners collection program at selected stores. Through that program, customers can return eligible Original HP ink and toner cartridges and Samsung toner cartridges.
These are different program descriptions, so don't assume every store accepts every cartridge brand. Check with your local Best Buy before visiting, particularly if you're returning cartridges other than HP or Samsung.
See Best Buy's printer cartridge recycling information and HP's participating collection locations.
Manufacturer Mail-In Programs
If you'd rather not visit a store, several printer manufacturers let customers return their own cartridges by mail. Shipping costs and accepted products vary by program.
HP Planet Partners
HP offers free cartridge recycling through its Planet Partners program.
Accepts eligible Original HP ink and toner cartridges and Samsung toner cartridges.
Provides free shipping labels, envelopes and boxes for eligible returns.
Participating retail collection locations include Staples, Best Buy and Office Depot/OfficeMax.
Businesses with larger quantities may qualify for free pallet pickup. HP lists thresholds of more than 76 toner cartridges or more than 1,000 ink cartridges.
HP does not accept every third-party cartridge through this program. Check the accepted product list before sending anything.
Visit HP Planet Partners.
Canon
Canon operates an ink cartridge take-back program for its own branded inkjet cartridges.
Customers can drop off eligible cartridges free of charge at participating FedEx Office Print & Ship Centers. You can also mail cartridges directly to Canon, but you must pay the postage yourself.
Check Canon's ink cartridge take-back program for instructions and participating drop-off locations.
Epson
Epson offers a mail-in recycling program covering hardware, ink and packaging. Its return instructions and available options depend on the product and program requirements.
Check Epson's current instructions before shipping cartridges, including whether any postage or handling costs apply.
Visit Epson's recycling program.
Brother
Brother provides free prepaid USPS shipping labels for eligible ink, toner, drum and P-touch supplies.
Customers can sign in to their Brother account, print a return label, package the empty supplies and send them back through USPS. Some Brother toner boxes also include return labels.
Visit Brother's ink and toner recycling program.
Where to Return Ink Cartridges From an Office
Offices that regularly use large quantities of ink and toner have additional return options.
Start by contacting your printer supplier or cartridge manufacturer. Some manufacturers offer bulk return arrangements for businesses with high cartridge volumes.
For example, HP Planet Partners offers free pallet pickup for qualifying returns exceeding 76 toner cartridges or 1,000 ink cartridges.
For other brands, ask your supplier whether it provides collection boxes, prepaid shipping or bulk recycling arrangements.
Your City or County
Some local recycling centers and household collection programs accept printer cartridges, although availability varies by city and county.
Check your local recycling guidelines or call the facility before visiting. Don't assume a regular curbside recycling program accepts ink or toner cartridges.
How to Recycle Printer Ink Cartridges
Preparing cartridges properly helps prevent leaks and makes the return process easier.
Use the cartridge until it's ready for replacement. Follow your printer's replacement instructions and return cartridges when they're empty, as required by the program.
Bag each cartridge. Place used cartridges in a sealed plastic bag or their original packaging to prevent leftover ink from leaking.
Keep ink and toner separate. Store them separately if the collection program requires it. Some manufacturers use different packaging and return instructions.
Check program limits. Retailers often cap the number of cartridges eligible for recycling rewards per month.
Choose a return method. Take cartridges to a participating store or use the manufacturer's mail-in program.
Toner Cartridge Recycling
Laser printer toner cartridges are generally larger than inkjet cartridges, but they also have dedicated recycling programs.
Staples and Office Depot accept qualifying toner cartridges through their in-store programs. HP and Brother also provide manufacturer-specific return options.
Keep toner cartridges sealed in their original packaging or another suitable bag. Avoid opening or dismantling them, since loose toner powder can create a mess.
Check the program's accepted cartridge list before returning third-party or remanufactured toner cartridges.
Don't Put Cartridges in the Trash or Curbside Recycling Bin
Ink and toner cartridges contain a mix of plastic, metal and leftover printing materials. Most curbside recycling facilities aren't designed to process them through standard household collection.
Instead, return them through a retailer or manufacturer's dedicated program. These collection channels allow cartridges to be handled through processes designed for printing supplies.
Replacing the Printer Too?
Cartridge return programs and printer recycling are separate services. Some manufacturers offer both, but the eligibility and collection options aren't necessarily the same.
For example, HP and Epson have separate hardware recycling programs for eligible printers and other equipment.
When a printer, copier or scanner reaches the end of its useful life, Recycle Technologies offers another electronics recycling option.
Recycle Technologies accepts printers, copiers, scanners and fax machines through its electronics recycling service, along with computers, monitors and other office electronics.
Individuals and businesses can explore available drop-off locations, including facilities in Blaine, Minnesota, and New Berlin, Wisconsin. Businesses can also arrange scheduled pickups for accepted equipment.
Before visiting, confirm that your specific device is accepted at the chosen location.
For more information about preparing an old printer for recycling, see How to Dispose of an Old Printer.
Copiers and Printers Can Store Data
Some office copiers and multifunction printers contain internal storage that may retain scanned, printed or copied information.
Before retiring a leased or owned copier, ask how its internal storage is handled. Check whether the drive needs to be removed and whether the equipment provider offers secure data sanitization or destruction.
Recycle Technologies offers hard drive destruction services for retired drives. Confirm the service requirements and whether the drive must be removed before arranging equipment collection.
Clearing Out an Office?
Replacing printers, retiring old computers and clearing supply closets often happen at the same time.
Businesses can schedule a pickup with Recycle Technologies for eligible electronics, including printers, copiers, scanners and other office equipment.
Send empty cartridges back through the appropriate retailer or manufacturer program, and arrange separate electronics recycling for the equipment itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I recycle ink cartridges near me?
You can return used cartridges at participating Staples and Office Depot stores, selected Best Buy locations, and some manufacturer collection points. You can also check whether your printer manufacturer offers a mail-in recycling program.
Does Best Buy recycle printer ink cartridges?
Best Buy has a cartridge recycling page for participating stores. It also participates in HP Planet Partners collection for eligible Original HP and Samsung cartridges. Accepted brands and availability can vary, so confirm with your local store first.
Can I put ink cartridges in my recycling bin?
Most curbside recycling programs don't accept ink and toner cartridges. Use a retailer collection program or return them through the cartridge manufacturer's recycling service.
Can I recycle cartridges from any brand?
Some retailers accept cartridges from multiple brands. Office Depot accepts any brand through its published program, while Staples has its own eligibility requirements. Manufacturer programs generally focus on their own supplies. HP Planet Partners also accepts eligible Samsung toner cartridges.
Do I get anything for recycling ink cartridges?
Some retailers offer rewards. Staples provides $2 per qualifying cartridge to eligible Rewards members, subject to its purchase and monthly limits. Office Depot's standard program lists $2 per cartridge with a qualifying $10 purchase during the same month. Other rewards tiers may have different terms.
Does HP offer free ink cartridge recycling?
Yes. HP Planet Partners provides free drop-off at participating collection locations and free shipping materials for eligible HP and Samsung supplies. Large-volume business customers may also qualify for pallet pickup.
Do manufacturers charge for mail-in cartridge recycling?
It depends on the manufacturer. HP and Brother provide free return shipping options for eligible supplies. Canon's direct mail-in program requires customers to pay postage, although participating FedEx Office drop-off locations accept qualifying Canon cartridges free of charge. Check Epson's current shipping instructions before sending a return.
What should I do with an old printer?
Use a separate electronics recycling program. Some manufacturers, including HP and Epson, offer their own hardware recycling options. Recycle Technologies also accepts printers, copiers, scanners and fax machines through its electronics recycling service. Businesses can arrange pickup for accepted equipment.
Recycle the Cartridges, Then the Printer
Empty ink and toner cartridges belong in a dedicated retailer or manufacturer return program. When the printer, copier or other office electronics reach the end of their useful life, they need a separate recycling solution.
Recycle Technologies provides electronics recycling for printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other accepted office equipment through its drop-off and commercial pickup services.
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Related reading: How to Dispose of an Old Laptop