Why Recycle?

A variety of inks are used in printing processes some of which contain toxic chemicals and metals. In particular metallic pigments often contain cadmium, bright colours contain chromium or copper and less commonly some inks still contain lead. Some waste ink may also be contaminated with cleaning solvents. If inks are disposed of through open drains or into landfill as liquid waste these toxic metals can accumulate the soil or leach into the groundwater system, impacting on human, animal and aquatic ecosystem health. Ink waste creates a disposal cost for the printer, but also represents a less than optimum use of purchased raw materials. By recycling, reusing or refilling inks where possible this can reduce waste management costs, maximize the use of resources and offers savings compared the cost of purchasing new virgin ink products. 

Ink can contain a number of toxic metals and is a form hazardous liquid waste. Ink should never be disposed of in open drains or landfill but recycled or reused to lower waste disposal costs, maximise resource use and avoid environmental contamination.

Australians throw away more than 18 million cartridges every year.
This amounts to over 5,000 tonnes of material, including laser toner cartridges, inkjet cartridges, photocopier toner bottles and drums. That's why we want you to put them in ‘Cartridges 4 Planet Ark’ bin, NOT the garbage bin!

INKDIRECT together with other printer manufactures are sponsoring this world-leading program and covering the cost of collecting and recycling the cartridges. ‘Cartridges 4 Planet Ark’ is the ultimate printer cartridge recycling solution. YOU can get involved.

The public can drop off their used cartridges in specially marked boxes at participating Australia Post, Officeworks, Harvey Norman, Tandy, Dick Smith Electronic and Powerhouse outlets. A full list of collection outlets are listed at www.RecyclingNearYou.com.au.

So don't waste your waste - donate your Cartridges 4 Planet Ark..

To be eligible for a collection box, your organisation needs to use a minimum of 3 imaging consumables (toner bottles, laser cartridges, drum units, fuser kits, inkjets etc) from ANY fax, photocopier or printer per month. It's easy and FREE. Simply complete the form.