An empty cartridge is a kilogram or so of engineering plastic, steel, aluminum and a little leftover toner. None of it belongs in household recycling, and none of it needs to go to landfill. Both HP and Canon take their cartridges back at no cost and recover the materials. Here is how to use those programs and how to store empties until you do.
HP Planet Partners (HP originals)
HP's program covers all original HP toner and ink cartridges in the US. Options:
- Mail-back: on HP's Planet Partners page request a prepaid shipping label (single cartridges, printed at home) or a prepaid collection box for offices (holds several cartridges). Pack cartridges in the new cartridge's box or any sturdy box; no need for the original bag.
- Retail drop-off: many office-supply and electronics chains accept HP cartridges at the customer service desk.
- Fleet pickup: for businesses with volume, HP arranges scheduled collection.
Returned cartridges are broken down; HP states the plastic goes into new cartridges and other HP products, and nothing is sent to landfill.
Canon's return program (Canon originals)
Canon operates a free cartridge return program in the US for genuine Canon toner (imageCLASS 045/054/137 and the rest). Request a prepaid label on Canon's environmental/recycling page, or use a participating retailer's drop-off. Canon reports that returned cartridges are recycled into new cartridges and raw materials.
Other options
- Office-supply retailers often take any brand at the counter and may offer store credit for genuine empties.
- Corporate e-waste vendors handle cartridges alongside electronics if you already have a contract.
- Municipal hazardous waste days in some cities accept them, but the manufacturer programs are simpler and free.
Handling empties safely
- Put the empty in the bag and box the new cartridge came in. The bag keeps residual toner contained.
- Do not shake, open or try to empty it. Toner is a fine powder; keep it out of the air.
- Store empties in a box under a desk until you have three or four, then ship in one prepaid box.
- If toner spills, wipe with a damp cloth or use a vacuum with a HEPA filter; ordinary vacuums blow the powder through the exhaust.
Do not refill or sell for refilling
Refilled genuine shells with reset chips are the main source of the "genuine" cartridges that leak, smear and trigger counterfeit warnings. Every empty returned to the manufacturer is one fewer in that chain. A fresh original HP 26A or Canon 137 costs a few cents per page; the refill saves little and risks the printer.
What about the packaging?
The cardboard box is ordinary recycling. The foil or plastic bag is not recyclable in most programs; reuse it for the empty cartridge. Orange clips and shipping inserts are small mixed plastics — trash.
Make it routine
Keep one prepaid HP collection box and one Canon label in the supply cupboard. When a cartridge is replaced, the empty goes straight into the box. When the box is full, it ships. That is the whole system, and it removes cartridges from the waste stream without anyone thinking about it. Reorder genuine replacements when you open your spare; the printer cartridge finder lists every model.
Genuine cartridges mentioned in this guide
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I put toner cartridges in the recycling bin?
No. Curbside programs do not accept them: the mixed plastics, metal and residual toner need a specialized process. Use the manufacturer's free return program or a store drop-off.
Is HP Planet Partners free?
Yes for HP original cartridges. HP provides prepaid shipping labels or boxes for the US; the cartridges are disassembled and the plastic and metal reused. Canon runs an equivalent free return program for its cartridges.
Can I sell empty cartridges?
Some buyers pay small amounts for empty genuine shells to remanufacture them. It is legal, but you are supplying the refill market that produces the cartridges we advise against; manufacturer recycling is the cleaner route.
