Sustainability is an increasingly critical focus in the business world, driving organizations to seek ways to minimize their environmental impact. One area where companies can make a meaningful difference is through structured recycling programs for office equipment consumables. In this blog, we examine how our trusted vendors—Sharp, Kyocera, Xerox, HP, Copystar, and Lexmark—have developed innovative ink and toner recycling initiatives. These programs not only reduce waste but also promote a more sustainable business environment. Let’s explore how these brands are making it easier for you to contribute to a greener future.
Sharp
Sharp Electronics offers our customers a zero waste toner recycling for all Sharp consumables, including: cartridges, bottles, toner collection containers and drum units. For these pieces Sharp provides all collection and shipping materials and covers all shipping and recycling costs.
There are a few different ways you can recycle your Sharp consumables: drop off, ship, or bulk return.
- Bulk Return – Recycling Kits are available for you to order, the recycling kits contain 3 pre-addressed collection/shipping containers, 3 clear plastic liners, and 3 zip ties. Order your Sharp bulk return recycling kit here. Each box fits up to 10 cartridges.
LOW VOLUME RECYCLING OPTIONS:
- Drop off – Simply take the single cartridge to your local Staples and they will take care of the recycling at no cost to you!
- Ship It – Sharp has a link to create the UPS label for you, all that you have to do is click the link here, select “continue as guest” and enter your shipping information to generate a pre-paid toner recycling shipping label. Package the toner in your own box and bring it to an authorized UPS shipping location.
Xerox
“Our vision for circularity extends to our clients’ workplaces, where electronics and supplies at the end of their useful life can come full circle to become the raw materials of tomorrow.” – Xerox
Xerox supports waste-free practices by following the principles of “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Their packaging and supplies are designed for efficient resource use, incorporating reusable materials where possible and recycling what cannot be reused.
They offer three recycling options based on item quantity.
- Single returns – Visit this Xerox webpage, select an item by model or reorder number, and return it via UPS, or drop it off at your local Staples.
- Eco Box Returns for 5-30 items – When you replace your spent consumable, save the box the new consumable comes in. Place your used consumable inside the box, then put that into the Eco Box (or your own box) to return the used supply to Xerox.
- Use your own box - The maximum dimensions – 23” x 23” x 18”. With the Maximum weight of 25 lbs. There are a few other requirements your shipment must fall under. Request a label for your own box.
- Order Eco Boxes – You can give the package to a UPS driver during a delivery, drop it off at a local UPS store, or schedule a pickup with UPS. Order an Eco Box by clicking here.
- Pallet Returns For Over 30 Items – If you have more than 30 Genuine Xerox Supplies items to return, then use Xerox’s pallet return process. Simply fill out and review the instructions on how to prepare your items and schedule a pickup. Click here.
Kyocera
Kyocera’s ECO footPRINT Toner Recycling Program helps your business reduce its environmental impact and operate cleaner, smarter, and more responsibly. Every Kyocera toner container collected is 100% recycled into useful objects.
For all new Kyocera device deliveries - Rhyme will provide a toner recycling box, this box will contain a return label for your use when you fill it with the empty cartridges.
For devices already in use - For devices already in use, customers can request a recycling box with a shipping label from Rhyme by calling us or filling out the Contact Us form.
Copystar
As a division of Kyocera, Copystar follows the same commitment to sustainability through the Kyocera ECO footPRINT™ Toner Recycling Program. This program ensures that used Copystar toner cartridges are collected and fully recycled into new materials, helping reduce environmental impact. To participate, follow the same recycling process as Kyocera devices.
Lexmark
“Our Goal is to reduce our impact on the environment and help you do the same.” – Lexmark
When you return your empty supplies through LCCP, you are helping to reduce impact on the environment and promote sustainability. Each year, millions of pounds of materials are responsibly reused and recycled, and it starts with you.You can do your part by using the kit to recycle toner cartridges.
With a recycling kit that has everything that you need in 4 simple steps – Package it, Box it, Label it, and Ship it! Order your Lexmark toner recycling kit by clicking here!
Fill out the form on this page to order your recycling kit today.
HP
“More than one billion Original HP Ink and Toner cartridges have been recycled by customers with HP Planet Partners” - HP
With HP’s Circular Economy, the ink and toner you purchase and return complete the recycling loop. By using one of HP’s free methods—Drop it Off, Mail it Back, or Request a Pickup—your cartridges are sent to a recycling facility where they are sorted, disassembled, or shredded. Other post-consumer plastics are added to the mix, allowing these materials to be reused in the production of new cartridges for your future printing needs!
Learn more about the HP recycling methods available to you:
Drop it off - Drop off your HP or Samsung ink and toner supplies at a nearby location at no cost. You can take them to your local Staples, Best Buy, Office Depot/Max, or Walmart (for ink only).
Mail it Back - Receive free shipping labels, envelopes, or boxes for an easy pack-and-ship experience. Click here to mail it back!
Request a pickup - If you have more than 76 toner cartridges or more than 1,000 ink cartridges, a free pallet pick up can be arranged. Click here to request a pickup!
Utilizing the ink and toner recycling programs from Sharp, Kyocera, Xerox, HP, Copystar, and Lexmark provides businesses with an easy and effective way to responsibly dispose of their toner and consumables while supporting sustainability. By recycling your cartridges, you reduce waste, conserve valuable resources, and lower your environmental impact. We encourage you to take advantage of these programs, as they not only contribute to a greener future but also exemplify responsible business practices. Every cartridge recycled makes a meaningful difference! If you have any questions not addressed here, feel free to reach out to Rhyme or visit our recycling page for more information.