Toner cartridges are essential in every office, but they can be a hidden environmental hazard if not disposed of properly. In New Zealand, thousands of toner and ink cartridges end up in landfills every year. But did you know there are free and easy ways to recycle them — without tossing them in the bin or feeling guilty about landfill waste?
Whether you’re managing a small team or overseeing nationwide branches, this article will walk you through how to recycle toner cartridges in NZ, which brands are accepted, and the best options for your business.
Let’s make doing the right thing… easy.
Why Recycle Toner Cartridges?
It’s not just about doing good — it’s about being smart. Printer cartridges are made of durable plastics and metals that take hundreds of years to break down. Each year, New Zealand generates more than 80,000 tonnes of e-waste, and a chunk of that is sitting in office cupboards or, worse, landfills.
Why it matters for your business:
- Hit sustainability targets without overhauling your workflow.
- Simplify ESG reporting — recycling ticks off a key metric.
- Reduce landfill impact and avoid unnecessary waste levies.
- Support the circular economy — many manufacturers reuse materials in new cartridges.
Small changes, like recycling cartridges, make a big difference over time.
Which Cartridges Can Be Recycled in NZ?
Not all cartridges are created equal — different manufacturers offer different recycling options. Here’s what you need to know:
✅ Accepted Brands:
- HP – via HP Planet Partners
- Canon, Epson & Brother – via Croxley Recycling programme
❌ Skipp these:
- Third-party or generic cartridges
- Refilled or remanufactured toner or ink
- Ink bottles unless specified
Pro tip: When in doubt, check the brand’s official NZ recycling page before you send anything back.
How to Recycle Toner Cartridges – Step by Step
1. Drop-Off Locations Across NZ
If your business has low cartridge volume or doesn’t qualify for business pickup, retail drop-offs are the simplest option.
Common partners include:
- Warehouse Stationery
- Harvey Norman
- Good Egg Company
- OfficeMax
📍 Top drop-off locations by city:
| City | Locations |
| Auckland | Warehouse Stationery, Harvey Norman |
| Wellington | OfficeMax, Good Egg Post |
| Christchurch | Warehouse Stationery, Good Egg Post |
| Hamilton | OfficeMax, Harvey Norman |
Heads-up: Some stores limit how many you can drop off per visit — typically 5.
Note: Limits may apply — e.g. 5 cartridges per visit. Always check with your local store.
2. Mail-In & Business Pick-Up Programmes
If you’ve got bulk volumes or manage multiple offices, mail-in or pick-up makes more sense. Best part? It’s usually free.
🔁 Comparison of Recycling Programmes:
| Brand | Service Type | Volume Requirement | How It Works |
| HP | Bulk Collection | ≥ 10 toner cartridges or 20 ink cartridges | Schedule a free pickup at your office. Apply here |
| Toshiba | Bulk Collection | No minimum | Offer a paid recycling service $7.50 for the collection box and $7.50 per courier pick up |
| Canon | Croxley Recycling | No minimum | Order prepaid bags or boxes online for easy return. |
Tracking Your Sustainability Impact
Many OEM recycling programmes offer documentation or reporting, especially for bulk or contract customers. This can help with:
- Annual sustainability reports
- ESG and CSR metrics
- ISO 14001 audits
- Internal waste reduction KPIs
Pro Tip: If you’re a managed print customer, ask your provider about recycling tracking and monthly reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dispose of old printer toner cartridges?
Use official manufacturer return programmes. Mail-in, drop-off, or bulk pick-up options are available depending on volume and brand.
Can I put empty toner cartridges in the bin?
No. Cartridges are considered e-waste and should never be disposed of with general rubbish. Recycling ensures safe handling and environmental protection.
Ready to Make Your Print Environment More Sustainable?
At BDL, we’re fully committed to reducing the environmental impact of the products we sell. From printer leasing to managed print services, we help Kiwi businesses integrate sustainability into everyday operations. We’ve made cartridge recycling easy for NZ businesses. Let us help you streamline the process and improve your impact. Learn more about our cartridge recycling solution.
