What to Do With Old Ink Cartridges (Hint: Don’t Throw Them Out)
, by Planet Green, 2 min reading time
Finished another print job? If you're like most people, your instinct is to toss the empty ink cartridge into the nearest trash can - or shove it in a drawer until you "figure out what to do with it." The truth is, that small piece of plastic has a much bigger impact than you think.
Here’s what you should know about the right way to handle old ink cartridges - and how your actions can save money, reduce waste, and support real change.
Why You Shouldn’t Toss Used Ink Cartridges
An empty ink cartridge may not look like much, but it's made of non-biodegradable plastic, metal, foam, and electronics. That means:
- It can take up to 1,000 years to decompose
- It may leach toxic chemicals into soil and water
- It contributes to the 375+ million cartridges discarded in U.S. landfills every year
Throwing it out doesn’t just waste the plastic - it wastes the energy, oil, and resources that went into making it.
The Best Option: Recycle It the Right Way
Recycling your cartridge is the best and most responsible option—but not all recycling programs are equal.
At Planet Green Recycle, cartridges are:
- Professionally remanufactured using original OEM cores
- Refilled, resealed, and retested for quality
- Put back into circulation, cutting down on manufacturing waste
- Eligible for free shipping, no matter where you live in the U.S.
Just collect a few cartridges, print your prepaid label, and drop them in the mail. It’s that simple.
What If My Cartridge Isn’t Recyclable?
Some cartridges - especially clone or third-party “compatible” models - can’t be recycled or remanufactured due to how they’re built. That’s why it’s smart to:
- Buy remanufactured cartridges in the first place (they can be reused again)
- Avoid clone cartridges marketed as “eco” but designed for one-time use
- Stick to known models from HP, Canon, and other OEMs that qualify for recycling
If you're unsure whether your cartridge is accepted, Planet Green Recycle maintains an up-to-date list on their website.
Want to Do Even More?
Here’s how to multiply the impact of your old cartridges:
- Start a fundraiser using your own free Program ID - every recycled cartridge earns money for your cause
- Encourage your school, church, or office to collect cartridges in bulk
- Purchase remanufactured ink from Planet Green Recycle to close the loop
- Share your Program ID with friends and family - 10% of their purchases will benefit your fundraiser
It's a full-circle solution - reduce waste, reuse materials, and raise funds all at once.
Old ink cartridges may seem disposable, but they’re actually a resource waiting to be reused. Whether you're a family at home or a fundraiser for a larger organization, sending in those empties can make a measurable difference.
Don’t trash it. Recycle it. Fund something great while you're at it.
Visit PlanetGreenRecycle.com to get your free label and start today.
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