How to Dispose of Toner Cartridges the Right Way (Recycling, Drop-Off & Free Programs)

Last updated: November 9, 2026

Short answer: Don't put toner cartridges in your curbside recycling bin. Return them free through the manufacturer's program (HP Planet Partners, Brother, Canon and Lexmark all offer prepaid return labels) or drop them off at a Staples or Office Depot store. Store empties sealed in a plastic bag until you recycle them. Drum units and waste toner boxes can usually go back through the same programs.

Why Toner Cartridges Need Special Disposal

Empty toner cartridges contain residual toner powder — a fine plastic-based particulate that can spill, contaminate the recycling stream and irritate airways if it gets airborne. The plastic, metal and electronic parts are also recoverable, and in landfills the shells take a very long time to break down. Fortunately, there are several free ways to recycle them.

Can I Throw Toner Cartridges in the Trash?

In most U.S. communities, a sealed, empty toner cartridge isn't classified as household hazardous waste, so putting one in the trash usually isn't illegal — but recycling is strongly preferred, and some states and municipalities restrict electronic and printer waste in landfills. Rules vary by state and county (Michigan residents asking about laser cartridges, for example, should check their county or city solid-waste office). If you must throw one away, seal it in a plastic bag first so powder can't escape. The free programs below are almost always just as easy.

Option 1: Manufacturer Mail-In Programs (Free)

HP Planet Partners

HP offers a free prepaid shipping label for returning used HP Original toner cartridges. Box them up, apply the label and drop them at a shipping location. Businesses can also request bulk collection boxes. Details: HP Ink & Toner Recycling. HP's program is for HP-brand cartridges.

Brother Recycling Program

Brother USA offers free mail-in recycling for Brother toner cartridges and drum units. Print a prepaid label, pack the cartridges in any box and ship. Details: Brother USA Recycling Program.

Canon Toner Cartridge Recycling and Return Labels

Canon's free cartridge return program (part of its Clean Earth Campaign) accepts used Canon toner cartridges. Request a prepaid return label on Canon's website, pack the cartridges (the original box works well), attach the label and drop it off with the carrier. Some Canon toner boxes include return instructions. Details: Canon Clean Earth Campaign.

Lexmark Cartridge Collection Program

Lexmark offers free collection for its cartridges; request a label or box on its site. Details: Lexmark Recycling Programs.

Option 2: Retail Drop-Off Programs

Staples

Staples accepts ink and toner cartridges at U.S. stores. Easy Rewards members can earn rewards on recycled cartridges, subject to limits that Staples changes from time to time. See our Staples ink and toner recycling guide for current terms.

Office Depot / OfficeMax

Office Depot and OfficeMax accept ink and toner cartridges in store through their Ink and Toner Recycling program, and rewards members may earn credit. No purchase is required for basic drop-off. Details: Office Depot Ink & Toner Recycling.

Best Buy

Many Best Buy stores have recycling kiosks that accept ink and toner cartridges; check your local store first. See our Best Buy cartridge recycling guide.

Option 3: Office Toner Recycling Bins and Local Recyclers

• Office collection boxes: HP and some other brands provide bulk boxes or pickup for businesses that go through many cartridges — handy as an office "toner recycling bin."
• Local electronics recyclers: many municipal recycling centers and household hazardous waste days accept cartridges. Search via the EPA's recycling resources or your county's site.

How to Dispose of Old Printer Drums and Waste Toner

Drum units can go back through the same manufacturer programs (Brother accepts drums explicitly) or to a retailer that accepts printer supplies. Waste toner boxes are full of loose toner: seal them in a plastic bag and return them through the manufacturer program or a local e-waste recycler. Never empty loose toner into the trash or a vacuum cleaner.

Can You Put Toner Cartridges in Recycling Bins?

No. Curbside recycling facilities aren't set up for them, and spilled toner contaminates other recyclables. The EPA recommends manufacturer take-back or certified electronics recyclers for printer consumables.

Storing Empty Cartridges Until You Recycle Them

• Keep them in a sealed plastic bag or their original box
• Store somewhere cool and dry, away from children and pets
• Don't open, shake hard or disassemble them
• Collect a box's worth, then ship them together on one label

Selling Unused Toner Cartridges

Unused, sealed genuine toner cartridges can often be sold instead of recycled. Buyback companies quote by model number and send a prepaid label; most won't take used, compatible or remanufactured toner. See who buys unused ink and toner cartridges.

Ink Cartridge Recycling vs. Toner Cartridge Recycling

Inkjet cartridges are easier to recycle — more stores and some pharmacies accept them. See where to recycle printer ink cartridges near you and how and where to recycle ink cartridges for cash.

Summary: Best Ways to Dispose of Toner Cartridges

Frequently Asked Questions

Is toner powder hazardous?

Toner isn't classified as hazardous waste in most places, but the fine powder can irritate the lungs and eyes. Avoid breathing it, and clean small spills with a damp cloth — not a regular vacuum.

Can I recycle compatible or remanufactured toner cartridges?

Manufacturer programs typically only take their own brand, but retail drop-off and local e-waste recyclers usually accept all brands.

Do I need the original box to return a cartridge?

No. Any sturdy box works; sealing each cartridge in a bag keeps powder contained.

When it's time to replace your toner, Castle Ink's compatible toner cartridges for HP, Brother, Canon and more cost 40–70% less than OEM, ship free over $50 and carry a 1-year guarantee — or find yours by printer model.