Where to Recycle Ink Cartridges for Free (And Get Paid for It)

Where to Recycle Ink Cartridges for Free (And Get Paid for It)

, by Planet Green, 3 min reading time

If you’re staring at a pile of empty ink cartridges wondering what to do next, you're not alone. Millions of households and offices go through ink every year, and most people have no idea that those little cartridges are worth money - and can be recycled for free.

Here’s the good news: there’s a fast, easy, and environmentally responsible way to recycle your ink cartridges at no cost to you - and even earn cash or support a cause in the process.

Why You Should Never Throw Ink Cartridges in the Trash

Ink cartridges are made from plastic, metal, foam, and other materials that can take up to 1,000 years to break down in a landfill. Worse, they often leak trace chemicals that pollute soil and water. In the U.S. alone, over 375 million cartridges are discarded every year - and most end up in the trash.

But here’s the thing: most ink cartridges can be reused. In fact, remanufacturers like Planet Green Recycle can take your used cartridge, restore it to like-new condition, and put it back into circulation - saving raw materials, energy, and waste.

How to Recycle Ink Cartridges for Free (from Home)

Planet Green Recycle offers one of the simplest and most rewarding mail-in programs in the country. Here’s how it works:

  1. Sign up for a free Program ID at PlanetGreenRecycle.com.
  2. Collect at least 4 empty inkjet cartridges (no toner, please).
  3. Download a free shipping label and send them in.
  4. Get cash rewards or direct your earnings to a school, church, or nonprofit fundraiser.

That’s it - no fees, no guesswork, and no trips to the recycling center.

Get Paid or Raise Money for a Cause

What makes Planet Green Recycle stand out is this: not only do you recycle for free, but you also get something back. There are two ways to earn:

  • Individual Recyclers: Send in accepted ink cartridges and receive cash payments to your PayPal account or by check.
  • Fundraising Partners: Anyone can start a fundraiser (school, nonprofit, youth group, church, etc.). Every recycled cartridge earns money toward your cause - plus 20% of any purchase made with your fundraiser ID.

This is a powerful way to support what matters to you - just by recycling something you already use.

Which Ink Cartridges Are Accepted?

Planet Green Recycle accepts most popular inkjet models, including:

  • HP ink cartridges (e.g., 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 950, 951, and more)
  • Canon ink cartridges (e.g., PG-245, CL-246, 210XL, 211XL, etc.)

They do not accept toner. You can check the full list of accepted models here.

Bonus: Buy Remanufactured to Keep the Cycle Going

Every time you recycle a cartridge, it opens the door for remanufacturers to reuse that core. But the cycle only works when consumers also choose remanufactured cartridges at checkout.

Planet Green Recycle offers a full line of DoorStepInk brand remanufactured cartridges - made in the USA, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and often 70% cheaper than OEM cartridges.

Even better? If you're supporting a fundraiser, every purchase made with your Program ID earns them 20% back.


Ready to Start?

Visit PlanetGreenRecycle.com and click “Start Recycling” to get your free label and Program ID today.

Because doing the right thing shouldn’t cost you a thing - and sometimes, it even pays.

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