Electronics
Printers
printer, inkjet printer, laser printer, all-in-one printer, old printer
Can you recycle?
Sometimes
Sometimes — printers can't go in your bin. Remove the cartridges, then donate or recycle the printer as e-waste.
How to prepare
1. Remove the ink or toner cartridges and recycle them separately. 2. Unplug and coil the power cable. 3. Donate working printers to schools or charities. 4. Take the rest to an e-waste drop-off point.
Common mistakes
Putting printers in general waste instead of recycling them as e-waste. Leaving cartridges inside. Throwing away a working printer that could be donated.
What happens after you recycle it?
Recycled printers are separated into plastics and metals that are reused in new products, and their cartridges are refilled or remanufactured.
Drop-off guidance
Printers go to e-waste recyclers and electronics retailers, and cartridges go to office supply store take-back programs. Working printers can be donated to schools, nonprofits, and thrift stores.
FAQs
Can I recycle a printer?
Yes, as e-waste. Remove the cartridges first, then donate or take the printer to an e-waste drop-off — never the curbside bin.
Where can I recycle a printer near me?
Use the lookup above to find e-waste drop-off points and electronics retailers near you.
Is it free to recycle a printer?
Usually yes. Most e-waste drop-off points and retailer take-back schemes are free.
Can I get paid to recycle a printer?
Rarely for the printer itself, but returning the cartridges often earns store credit or reward points.
