Easily Refill and Recycle
Toner Cartridges

Laser cartridges are expensive. If you recycle toner cartridges, you will keep production costs down since it’s easier for the manufacturers to recondition than to start from scratch.

Refill It First

An often overlooked first step is to refill your toner cartridges with bulk toner. You can do this several times before the cartridge wears out.

This will save you hundreds over the life of the cartridge.

Since toner price cartridges vary widely according to how many pages they are estimated to print, we researched the “cost per page” between a new toner cartridge and refilling it yourself.

The cost per page for a new cartridge ranged from 3/4¢ to 3.8¢ per page.

Using a refill kit the price range was typically 50% less. On some models it was much more and on others it was a bit less in savings—but still significant. You may have to buy a "toner refill tool" to do this, but it is a one time expense of about $8.00.

Tips to Make Refilling Toner Cartridges Easy

1. Don’t let your toner cartridge dry out. The electrical resistors on the cartridge can burn out if it is trying to deliver toner which isn’t there;
2. Put down newspaper or cardboard. Once in a while there is a spill;
3. Wear rubber gloves. You can buy packs of disposable gloves or the heavier duty kitchen type which last much longer;
4. Follow all toner refill kit instructions. Procedures vary among manufacturers, so take a minute to be sure you’re doing it right (for most, you remove the filler cap, make a hole beneath the cap, fill and then replace the cap).

How to Recycle Toner Cartridges

1. Drop Off at Local Office Supply Store. They will be returned to the manufacturer or a reconditioning operator.
2. Donate to Charity. Organizations such as Reycle4Charity.com allow you to collect a minimum of 20 units for your “toner cartridge recycle fund drive” or other fund raising program, and they give you free shipping and a check goes to your charity.
Recycle Toner Cartridges for Cash. freerecycling.com has over 12,000 members who mail used toner cartridges (also cell phones and CDs) and receive money via check or PayPal deposit.



Buy Reconditioned Toner Cartridges


If refilling sounds too messy or bothersome, you can still toner cartridge recycle. Then buy a replacement cartridge that is reconditioned, not a new one.

A reconditioned toner cartridge is not simply refilled with toner. If done properly, it has also had all worn parts replaced, allowing it to be re-used practically endlessly.





Return From Recycle Toner Cartridges to Going Green