How and Where to Recycle Ink Cartridges

Updated June 2026

Wondering what to do with your empty ink and toner cartridges? You have more options than you might think — and some of them even put cash back in your pocket. This guide covers every way to recycle ink cartridges, from dropping them off at a local store to mailing them in for cash rewards.

The 5 Best Ways to Recycle Ink Cartridges

Recycling empty ink cartridges is easier than ever. Here are your main options:

1. Drop them off at a big-box retailer — Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Costco all accept empty cartridges for free recycling.
2. Recycle at an office supply store — Staples offers cash rewards through its Recycling Rewards program.
3. Mail them in for cash — Online programs like eCycle Group and Toner Buyer pay you per cartridge.
4. Return them to the manufacturer — HP, Canon, Epson, Lexmark, and Brother all have free mail-back programs.
5. Refill them — Ink refill kits are available at most office supply stores and online retailers like Castle Ink.

Why Recycling Ink Cartridges Matters

Each year, hundreds of millions of empty ink and toner cartridges end up in landfills across the United States. Because cartridges are made from hard plastics and petroleum-based materials, they can take up to 1,000 years to decompose.

When you recycle instead of trash your cartridges, you are helping to:

• Reduce plastic waste — A single inkjet cartridge can contain up to 3.5 oz of non-biodegradable plastic.
• Save energy — Remanufacturing a cartridge uses significantly less energy than producing one from raw materials.
• Conserve resources — Cartridges can be remanufactured up to six times before they are fully spent.
• Earn cash — Many recycling programs pay between $0.50 and $4.00 per cartridge.

Despite these benefits, only an estimated 20–40% of cartridges are currently recycled. The rest go straight to the landfill.

Where to Recycle Ink Cartridges Near You

Staples

Staples runs one of the most rewarding ink recycling programs available. Members who spend at least $30 on ink or toner every 180 days can recycle up to 10 cartridges per month and earn $2 per cartridge in Staples Rewards. Plus and Premier members can recycle up to 20 cartridges per month. Learn more about the Staples Ink Recycling Program

Best Buy

Best Buy recycles ink cartridges for free at all store locations, no purchase required. Since 2009, Best Buy has operated one of the largest consumer electronics and accessories recycling programs in the U.S. Drop your empty cartridges in the collection bin near the store entrance. Learn more about Best Buy Ink Recycling

Walmart

Walmart accepts ink cartridges and toner at all store locations. Many manufacturers — including HP and Kodak — list Walmart as an authorized recycling partner. Look for the recycling station near the electronics section.

Target

Target has recycling kiosks at the front of most store locations where you can drop off used ink cartridges, electronics, plastics, and aluminum. No purchase is necessary.

Walgreens

Walgreens accepts ink cartridges and toner at their in-store recycling stations, typically located near the photo counter. They also accept older cell phones and select electronics.

Office Depot / OfficeMax

Office Depot accepts empty ink and toner cartridges at all store locations. Check their website for any active reward offers for recycled cartridges.

How to Recycle Ink Cartridges for Cash

If you want to get paid for your empty cartridges, these mail-in programs are your best bet:

eCycle Group (ecyclegroup.com) — One of the most widely-used cartridge buyback programs. Simply find your cartridge model on their list, enter the quantity, and request payment by check or PayPal. You can also choose to donate your payout to a charity. eCycle handles all shipping logistics.

Recycle4Charity (recycle4charity.org) — Ideal for schools, churches, nonprofits, and community organizations. Turn in your empty cartridges and direct the proceeds to a charity of your choice.

Empties4Cash (empties4cash.com) — Pays cash for a wide range of empty inkjet and laser cartridges. Check their accepted cartridge list before mailing.

Pro tip: Before mailing cartridges to any program, always verify your specific model is on their accepted list — some programs charge a small fee for cartridges they cannot resell.

Ink Cartridge Recycling Programs by Manufacturer

HP Ink Cartridge Recycling

HP offers a free mail-back recycling program for most standard ink cartridges. You can print a prepaid shipping label from HP's website and send in your empties. Note: HP Instant Ink cartridges are returned separately. HP recycles the materials — plastics and metals are processed rather than remanufactured into new cartridges.

Canon Ink Cartridge Recycling

Canon offers three return options: single cartridge, multi-pack (up to 8), and bulk return. All include a prepaid UPS shipping label, downloadable directly from Canon's website. Canon is widely recognized for its environmental initiatives, though its inkjet cartridge recycling process focuses on materials recovery rather than remanufacturing.

Epson Ink Cartridge Recycling

Epson offers a free recycling program for consumers, schools, and businesses. Collected cartridges are processed at a waste-to-energy facility rather than remanufactured, keeping them out of landfills.

Lexmark Ink Cartridge Recycling

Lexmark's program stands out among manufacturer recycling initiatives. Working with partners like Planet Ark and Close the Loop, Lexmark ensures collected cartridges are either remanufactured or fully recycled — not incinerated. Customers request a free kit online; Lexmark covers return shipping. In Europe, high-volume cartridges ship with a prepaid recycling bag included.

Brother Ink Cartridge Recycling

Brother offers a free cartridge return program. Visit Brother's website to request a prepaid return envelope. Collected cartridges are processed through certified recycling partners.

Can You Refill Ink Cartridges Instead of Recycling Them?

Yes — and it is often the most cost-effective option of all. Refilling an ink cartridge yourself using a refill kit typically costs a fraction of buying a new one. Ink refill kits are available at most office supply stores and online.

Alternatively, you can purchase remanufactured ink cartridges — which are professionally cleaned, refilled, and tested — from retailers like Castle Ink. Remanufactured cartridges deliver the same quality output as OEM cartridges and are significantly less expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ink Cartridge Recycling

Can you put ink cartridges in the recycle bin at home?

It depends on your municipality. Most curbside recycling programs do not accept ink cartridges because they require special processing. Check your town or city's waste management website to confirm. When in doubt, use a retailer drop-off or mail-in program. Find a recycling location near you.

How do I dispose of HP ink cartridges?

You have several options: return them directly to HP via their mail-in recycling program, drop them at Staples, Best Buy, Walmart, or Target, or mail them to an online buyback service like eCycle Group or Toner Buyer for cash.

What can I do with full or unused ink cartridges?

Unopened, unused cartridges can be dropped off at Staples, Best Buy, Office Depot, or Walmart. Many of these programs will accept them. You can also sell them locally or donate them.

Can empty ink cartridges be used as a fundraiser?

Yes! Recycling empty ink cartridges is an excellent fundraiser for schools, churches, sports teams, and nonprofits. Programs like Recycle4Charity let organizations collect cartridges and earn cash donations without any upfront cost.

What happens to recycled ink cartridges?

It depends on the program. Third-party recyclers and remanufacturers typically clean, refill, and resell cartridges — sometimes up to six times. Manufacturer programs more often shred cartridges and recover raw materials like plastic and metal for use in new products.

Are recycled ink cartridges as good as new ones?

Yes. Professionally remanufactured cartridges undergo rigorous testing and produce comparable print quality to brand-name originals — typically at 40–70% less cost. Look for remanufactured cartridges from reputable sources that offer a satisfaction guarantee.

What can you do with old printers — are they recyclable?

Yes! Most big-box retailers like Best Buy have collection boxes in stores where you can drop off your old printer. Many municipal recycling programs also accept printers curbside — check your town's website to confirm.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Empty Ink Cartridges

If your cartridge is not accepted by any recycling program, repurposing is a great alternative to throwing it away. Clean empty cartridges can serve as mini desk planters for succulents, desktop organizers for pens and clips, seed starters for small herbs, small paint containers for kids' craft projects, or decorative ornaments. Always rinse cartridges thoroughly before repurposing to remove any remaining ink residue.

Start Recycling Your Ink Cartridges Today

Whether your goal is to reduce your environmental impact, earn a little cash, or support a cause you care about, recycling your empty ink and toner cartridges is a simple step with real benefits. The next time you swap out a cartridge, do not toss it — recycle it.

Looking for an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to expensive OEM cartridges? Castle Ink carries a full line of remanufactured and compatible ink and toner cartridges backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee — shipped fast from our U.S. warehouse.