HOW TO RECYCLE EMPTY INK CARTRIDGES

If you’re like most people, you probably have a few empty ink cartridges collecting dust in a drawer. Why we hold on to them? I dont know. Maybe there’s something deep down inside all of us that says, “there must be a better way, than throwing these away...” & there is! Instead of tossing them in the trash (where they’ll take hundreds of years to break down), you can easily recycle them, & in some cases, even get rewarded for doing it.

Heres a quick list on some places that will take your empty ink cartridges & recycle them for you!

1. Staples

Staples makes it incredibly easy to recycle your cartridges. If you join their Staples Rewards program, you can earn $2 back per cartridge up to 10 cartridges a month. The only catch? You need to have spent at least $50 on ink or toner in the last 180 days. Which if you buy a fair amount of ink, these points rack up pretty quick & can sometimes take 100% off your purchase total. (I’ve done this many times)

2. Office Depot / OfficeMax

Another great option. Through their Rewards Program, you can also get $2 back per cartridge, with a 10-cartridge limit per month. Just make sure you’ve made a $10 qualifying purchase within the same month to receive the credit. & that $10 can go towards your next Office Depot purchase on ink! Saving you a few bucks.

3. Best Buy

Best Buy accepts ink cartridges at many of its stores, often at their customer service counter or recycling kiosk. While they don’t offer rewards, they make it convenient and responsible. I’ve never used Best Buy to recycle ink cartridges but I have used them to recycle old cords & chargers. They make it super easy & according to their website divert millions of points of e waste from our landfills every year!

4. Target

Some Target locations have small recycling stations near the front entrance that accept ink cartridges (among other items). Availability varies by location, so it’s worth checking with your local store because I’ve never seen this option at a Target near me, but if they do in fact have them, GREAT!

5. Manufacturer Programs

Companies like HP, Canon, and Epson offer free mail-back recycling or local drop-off options. You can usually find pre-paid shipping labels on their websites, making it simple to return cartridges right from home. Again, no rewards but at least they offer a way to send them directly back for quick recycling!

6. Schools, Libraries & Nonprofits

Some schools & community organizations collect ink cartridges as part of fundraising efforts. Ask around you might be able to support a good cause while recycling! My old elementary school would take broken printers so they can repair them & use them in classrooms! So I know some take electronic waste during certain school drives. Worth asking around your community if you wanna take this route!