How to Recycle HP Toner Cartridges

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

When your laserjet printer’s toner cartridge runs out, you might be tempted to just toss it in the trash or into your home recycling bin. However, this is not the proper way to dispose of used toner cartridges and you can end up hurting the environment if you do so. Take a look at the following answers to some questions you may have about how to recycle your HP toner cartridges the right way and help protect our planet!

Question 1

Question 1 of 6:
How do I use HP’s mail-in recycling program for toner cartridges?

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Print off a prepaid shipping label and use it to mail cartridges back. To do so, visit HP’s cartridge recycling page here: https://www8.hp.com/us/en/hp-information/recycling/ink-toner.html. Select “MAIL IT BACK,” then indicate the type and number of cartridges you want to send back. Click “NEXT STEP” at the bottom of the screen and follow the prompts to print out a prepaid shipping label. Stick the label on a shipping envelope with the cartridge in it and put it in the mail.^{[1]
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- Note that you have to create an HP account to complete this process.

Question 2

Question 2 of 6:
How do I recycle HP toner cartridges in bulk?

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If you have more than 76 cartridges, you can schedule a pallet pick-up. Click on “SCHEDULE A PICKUP” under “Request a pickup” on HP’s recycling page here: https://www8.hp.com/us/en/hp-information/recycling/ink-toner.html. Enter a number of cartridges higher than 76 on the following page. Click “NEXT STEP” at the bottom of the screen, then follow the prompts to schedule the pick-up service.^{[2]
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- You can also return Samsung toner cartridges in bulk this way, but you can’t mix HP and Samsung cartridges.

Question 3

Question 3 of 6:
Do office supply retailers accept toner cartridges for recycling?

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Yes, big-box retailers and office supply stores recycle toner cartridges. Retailers like Best Buy, Staples, Walmart, Office Depot, and OfficeMax all recycle HP toner cartridges. You can find a location near you by clicking on “FIND A LOCATION” under “Drop it off” on HP’s recycling page here: https://www8.hp.com/us/en/hp-information/recycling/ink-toner.html. Take your cartridges in and put them in the dropbox located near where the store sells printer cartridges or at the front of the store.^{[3]
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- If none of these big-box retailers are located near you, call up any store where they sell printing supplies and ask if they recycle toner cartridges.

Question 4

Question 4 of 6:
Can I use a third-party recycling company for toner cartridges?

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Yes, you can drop them off at an electronics recycling center. Google something like “electronics recycling center near me” to find a local one. Take the toner cartridges to their drop-off center or schedule a pick-up service if they offer it.^{[4]
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- Many dumps and general recycling centers also receive electronics.

Question 5

Question 5 of 6:
What is the shelf life of HP toner cartridges?

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HP toner cartridges can print for 3 years or more. This is according to an HP employee who works in the laserjet department. If you store your HP toner cartridges in hot and humid conditions, they may degrade more quickly.^{[5]
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- So, even if you have some HP toner cartridges that you’re not currently using, consider hanging onto them for at least a couple of years before you recycle them. You or someone you know might be able to use them eventually!

Question 6

Question 6 of 6:
Can I throw away empty toner cartridges?

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No, you should always recycle toner cartridges. It takes approximately 400 years to break down the plastics used in these cartridges if they go to a landfill, which is a big problem for the planet. Do your part to help the environment and protect our planet by properly recycling your empty toner cartridges!^{[6]
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- Only about 9% of plastics get recycled currently and un-recycled plastics also often find their way into the ocean and other waterways. There is the real potential for a global plastic crisis if we don’t increase our recycling of plastics, including toner cartridges.