How to Start a Cartridge Recycling Program at Your Office

Hundreds of millions of cartridges reach landfills yearly. A recycling program is impactful and easier than you think.

Why It Matters

• A cartridge takes up to 1,000 years to decompose
• 375 million discarded annually
• Each contains 2-3 lbs of plastic
• Only 30% currently recycled

Step 1: Assess Current Waste

1. Count printers across departments
2. Track replacement frequency
3. Identify current disposal methods
4. Calculate annual impact potential

Step 2: Collection Method

Collection Boxes

Place labeled boxes near each printer — within 10 feet for maximum participation.

Prepaid Shipping

Partners provide prepaid labels. Full box? Seal and ship. Free.

Step 3: Select a Partner

• Remanufacturing-first approach
• Zero-landfill policy
• Free collection/shipping
• Impact reporting and certificates
• ISO 14001 certification

Step 4: Engage Your Team

1. Company-wide announcement
2. Signs near printers
3. Quarterly impact updates
4. Department champions
5. Milestone celebrations

Step 5: Track Impact

• Cartridges collected per quarter
• Plastic diverted (~2.5 lbs each)
• CO2 avoided (~3.6 lbs each)
• Participation rate

Beyond Recycling

Best strategy: buy remanufactured AND recycle empties for a closed-loop system.