Can you recycle printer ink and toner cartridges?
Ink and toner cartridges are refillable/remanufacturable and never belong in kerbside bins. Every major maker (HP Planet Partners, Canon, Epson, Brother) runs freepost take-back; charities like Recycle4Charity send freepost envelopes and donate per cartridge; some supermarkets and office shops have collection boxes. Laser toner powder shouldn't escape into general waste.
Tips
- Order freepost return labels from the manufacturer's site
- Charity schemes turn each cartridge into a donation
Which bin does it go in?
Manufacturer freepost or charity take-back — not kerbside
Background: Batteries, vapes & electricals: the fire-risk items.
Also searched as: ink cartridges, printer cartridges, toner.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?