Toner cartridge

Also called: toner, laser toner, drum unit

Drop-off point

National rules. Choose your council to see its answer.

Your council's answer

The answer can differ by council. Choose your council to see its rules for this item.

How to prepare it

  1. Return it through the manufacturer's scheme
  2. Bag it to stop toner dust leaking

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National rules

The answer isn't the same in every UK nation. Choose your council to see the one that applies to you.

England, Scotland and Wales

Drop-off point

Not in your home bins. Take it to a drop-off point.

Use the manufacturer's free return scheme or a collection box in office supply shops.

Also: Recycling centre

Northern Ireland

Drop-off point

Not in your home bins. Take it to a drop-off point.

Use the manufacturer's free return scheme, or a charity or workplace that collects cartridges.

Also: Recycling centre

Northern Ireland-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source

How to recycle it

National schemes anyone in the UK can use.

National scheme

HP Planet Partners cartridge returns

Free · Post it back

Return empty genuine HP ink or toner cartridges (and Samsung toner) to HP free, by post or at an HP authorised retail collection location.

  1. Only original HP cartridges and Samsung toner are accepted: refilled, remanufactured and other brands are not
  2. Order free postage-paid envelopes or labels from HP Planet Partners, or phone HP on 0207 660 3116 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm)
  3. Put the empty cartridges in the envelope or a box with the label and post it: no stamp needed
  4. Or take empty HP ink or LaserJet cartridges to an HP authorised retail collection location

Source: hp.com, checked 10 Oct 2026.

National scheme

Epson cartridge collection and recycling

Free · Post it back

Post empty genuine Epson cartridges back to Epson free in a return envelope, or request a free collection for 5 or more.

  1. Request up to two free return envelopes from Epson's cartridge recycling page
  2. Put in up to 4 empty genuine Epson cartridges without overfilling, and post the envelope with no stamp
  3. For 5 or more cartridges, pack them in a box (up to 20kg) and request a return label; Epson's collection partner arranges pickup
  4. EcoTank bottles and non-genuine cartridges are not accepted

Source: epson.co.uk, checked 10 Oct 2026.

National scheme

Canon cartridge recycling programme

Free · Post it back

Post empty genuine Canon ink cartridges back to Canon using its free Freepost label; Canon toner cartridges have a separate free postal return.

  1. Download and print Canon's Freepost label from its cartridge recycling page
  2. Put the empty Canon cartridges in a box or envelope; Canon asks for at least 5 per parcel if you can
  3. Stick on the label and post it with no stamp

Source: canon.co.uk, checked 10 Oct 2026.

National scheme

Brother cartridge returns

Free · Post it back

Send empty genuine Brother ink or toner cartridges back to Brother free with a freepost label or box.

  1. Use the freepost label that came in the new cartridge's box, or request a free label or bulk box from Brother
  2. Stick the label on the box with the empty cartridges inside
  3. Hand it in at a Post Office; for more than 12 cartridges, fill a bulk box and ask for a free courier collection

Source: brother.co.uk, checked 10 Oct 2026.

Recycle This isn't run by or endorsed by any council or the government. Councils change their services, so check anything important with your council.