Most printer ink cartridges can be recycled for free in the UK through manufacturer return schemes, charity freepost programmes, and in-store drop-offs — none of which require kerbside collection. Here is exactly how to do it.
Why you should never bin an ink cartridge
Printer cartridges are made from engineered plastics and contain residual ink that can leach into the ground if they end up in landfill. A single inkjet cartridge can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. Despite that, millions of cartridges are thrown away in the UK every year — almost all of them needlessly, because free recycling options are widely available.
Ink cartridge recycling is not collected via most kerbside recycling bins, so you will need to use one of the dedicated routes below. For a broader guide to what your kerb bin does and does not take, see our guide to what can be recycled in the UK.
Manufacturer freepost schemes
The simplest starting point is your printer brand's own return programme. Each of the major manufacturers offers a free recycling service for their genuine cartridges:
- Canon — download a freepost label from the Canon website and post back your empty inkjet cartridges. For 10 or more toner cartridges there is also a bulk collection option.
- Brother — fill in a short recycling form on Brother's site and they will post you a free pre-labelled return envelope. Drop it at any Post Office when full.
- Epson — Epson offers a free collection service for most of their ink cartridges, including a bulk return option for larger quantities.
- HP — HP runs a free cartridge return programme; visit the HP Planet Partners page to request a freepost label or find a local drop-off.
Important: these manufacturer schemes are designed for genuine branded cartridges. If you use third-party or compatible cartridges, the manufacturer scheme may not accept them — use one of the options below instead.
Free charity freepost schemes
Several UK charities and fundraising organisations will accept your empty cartridges by post — at no cost to you — and convert them into funds for good causes. This is one of the easiest ways to combine recycling with giving:
- Cartridges4Charity — provides prepaid Royal Mail labels, collections, or local drop-off options. Cartridges are recycled and proceeds go to the Against Malaria Foundation. They also accept unused, full cartridges.
- Recycle4Charity — a free inkjet recycling programme; charities register as collectors and each cartridge can earn their chosen cause up to £2.
- The Recycling Factory — the UK's largest inkjet cartridge recycler, handling over 8 million cartridges per year. Sign up as a collector, receive a free box, fill it with roughly 50 cartridges, and take it to a Post Office.
- Ink and Toner Recycling Ltd — accepts virtually any type of used printer cartridge, including toner, and works with charities and fundraising groups.
In-store drop-off points
If you prefer to drop cartridges off locally rather than posting them, several retailers accept them in-store — with no purchase necessary:
| Retailer | What they accept | Any conditions? |
|---|---|---|
| Currys / PC World | Ink and toner cartridges | Free, no purchase required; dedicated recycling bins in-store |
| Staples | Ink and toner cartridges | Drop-off points available in larger branches; call ahead to confirm |
| Some supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose) | Ink cartridges | Availability varies by store; check at the customer service desk |
Availability can change, so it is worth calling your local branch ahead of time. The RecycleNow locator tool (at recyclenow.com) lists thousands of cartridge recycling points across the UK, including council-run sites and retailers.
Can you recycle toner cartridges too?
Yes. Toner cartridges from laser printers can also be recycled through most of the routes above. Canon, Brother, Epson, and specialist services such as Ink and Toner Recycling Ltd all accept them. Toner cartridges are bulkier and heavier than inkjet cartridges, so check weight limits if posting — bulk collection services are usually a better fit for toner.
What about compatible or third-party cartridges?
Manufacturer schemes will typically only accept their own genuine cartridges. For compatible or remanufactured cartridges, use a third-party charity freepost scheme or a retailer drop-off instead — most of these accept any brand.
Recycling checklist: what to do before you send
- Leave the cartridge sealed — do not open it or attempt to clean it.
- Place it in a small sealable bag or wrap loosely in paper to prevent any residual ink leaking onto other items.
- Check the scheme's accepted cartridge list if recycling via a manufacturer programme.
- Keep your proof of postage, especially for charity schemes, in case anything goes astray.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put ink cartridges in my kerbside recycling bin?
In most parts of the UK, ink and toner cartridges are not accepted in household kerbside recycling bins. A small number of councils may have specific arrangements, but you should check directly with your local council before putting cartridges in your recycling. The routes described above — freepost and in-store drop-offs — are the reliable option for everyone.
Do ink cartridge recycling freepost services actually work?
Yes. Established services such as Cartridges4Charity, Recycle4Charity, and manufacturer return schemes have been operating for many years and use standard Royal Mail or courier collection. Use a reputable, named scheme rather than unknown websites, and keep your proof of postage.
Can I recycle a cartridge that still has some ink in it?
Most recycling schemes accept both empty and partially used cartridges. Cartridges4Charity even explicitly accepts full, unused cartridges that you no longer need. Just make sure the cartridge is sealed and wrapped to prevent leaks in the post.
Are compatible (non-branded) cartridges accepted for recycling?
Manufacturer schemes are generally limited to their own genuine cartridges. However, charity freepost programmes and retailer drop-off points (such as Currys and Staples) typically accept compatible and third-party cartridges as well — check the individual scheme's FAQ before sending.
