Are printer cartridges classified as WEEE?
Strictly speaking, printer cartridges — toner and inkjet — are consumables rather than electrical or electronic equipment, so they do not fall under the WEEE Regulations 2013 in the same way as the printer itself. However, they should not be placed in general waste:
- Toner powder is a fine particulate classified as a potential respiratory irritant. Some toners contain carbon black, which is listed as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
- Cartridge casings are predominantly made from high-quality ABS and other engineering-grade plastics that can be remanufactured or recycled.
- Metal components and residual toner have recoverable value when processed through specialist streams.
The correct route is a dedicated cartridge return programme or specialist recycler.
Options for recycling printer toner and cartridges
Manufacturer take-back schemes
Most major printer manufacturers operate cartridge return programmes. HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Xerox, Lexmark, and others all provide freepost envelopes or collection boxes for empty cartridges. These programmes are usually free and available to both businesses and individuals.
Check the manufacturer’s website for the specific returns process for your cartridge type. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cartridges are generally accepted; third-party compatible cartridges may or may not be.
Office supply retailer programmes
Retailers including Staples and similar office supply chains operate in-store cartridge recycling collections. Drop off empties at the designated collection point. This is convenient for small quantities but not practical for high-volume business users.
Specialist cartridge recyclers
Several UK companies specialise in cartridge recycling and remanufacturing. They collect used cartridges, clean them, replace worn components, and refill them with toner or ink. Remanufactured cartridges typically cost less than new OEM cartridges and use significantly less energy and material to produce than manufacturing a new unit from scratch.
Through your ITAD provider (when disposing of the printer too)
If you are disposing of a printer along with its remaining cartridges, a certified ITAD provider can collect both. Cartridges are separated and passed to appropriate recycling streams. This is the most convenient option when decommissioning an office printer fleet. See our printer recycling service for London businesses for more detail on how this works.
Toner versus ink cartridges: are they recycled differently?
Yes. The processing routes differ.
| Cartridge type | Contents | Recycling route |
|---|---|---|
| Laser toner (powder) | Dry toner powder, plastic casing, metal contacts | Manufacturer return or specialist remanufacturer |
| Inkjet (liquid ink) | Liquid ink, printhead (in some models), plastic casing | Manufacturer return or retailer take-back |
| High-yield / XL | Same as above, larger capacity | Same routes as standard |
| Compatible / third-party | Varies by supplier | Check with the recycler — some schemes accept them |
How to handle toner cartridges safely
Toner powder should be treated with care:
- Never shake a toner cartridge to redistribute powder — this can release fine particles into the air.
- If a cartridge has leaked, wear gloves and avoid inhaling any loose toner. Clean up with a damp cloth rather than a dry brush or vacuum (unless the vacuum has a HEPA filter).
- If you have a large quantity of part-used cartridges, store them sealed in their original packaging or a sealed bag until they can be collected.
Can cartridges be donated?
Empty cartridges in good condition can be donated to charity through schemes that sell them to recyclers and use the proceeds for charitable purposes. Several UK charities operate these programmes — search for “empty cartridge donation” and your preferred cause. This does not apply to cartridges that have leaked or are significantly damaged.
What about cartridges from decommissioned printers?
When an office printer is decommissioned, any remaining toner cartridges should be removed before the printer is collected for recycling. This serves two purposes: it prevents toner from spilling during transport, and it allows the cartridges to enter the most appropriate recycling stream rather than being processed generically with the printer chassis.
For guidance on disposing of the printer itself — including the data risk from internal hard drives — see our article on how to dispose of old printers.
Large-format and specialist toner: any differences?
Large-format printers use bulk toner or high-capacity cartridges. The same recycling principles apply: return through the manufacturer or a specialist recycler. Drum units, fuser assemblies, and maintenance kits from laser printers are also recyclable — check with the manufacturer or your ITAD provider.
Ready to arrange printer and cartridge disposal?
Recycle4Charity provides certified collection and recycling of office printers for London businesses. When booking a printer collection, let us know if you have cartridges to include. Visit our printer recycling page to get started.