Staples Celebrates Sustainability Milestone of 450 Million Ink and Toner Cartridges Recycled

Staples Inc., announced in a press release, it has collected 450 million ink and toner cartridges for recycling in the U.S. since 2005, averaging more than 60 million cartridges per year for the past four years.

Through the cartridge recycling program, Staples has helped recover and recycle 234 million pounds of plastics and metals, diverting roughly the weight of 8,000 full garbage trucks from landfills.

“At Staples, we are committed to reducing waste going to landfills and reusing valuable resources through our recycling services,” said Mark Buckley, vice president, environmental affairs, Staples in a press release. “As the largest recycling collector of ink and toner cartridges in North America, Staples ink and toner cartridge recycling program helps our customers and the environment. Staples is thrilled to reach this milestone of 450 million recycled ink and toner cartridges.”

Staples’ ink and toner cartridge recycling program lets customers receive $2 back in Staples Rewards® per recycled cartridge, up to 10 per month. Used cartridges can be dropped off at any Staples retail location or through the online program.

Ink Recycling Rewards can be used to buy almost anything from Staples, in-store or on Staples.com.

In addition to recycling rewards, Staples Rewards members receive free shipping from Staples.com and up to five percent back on all purchases. Staples is pleased to work together with HP to make cartridge recycling available to all our customers.

In addition to the ink and toner cartridge recycling program, Staples has recycled 85 million pounds of office electronics since 2007.

“Our small business customers have told us they want to be more environmentally friendly, but they are pressed for time,” said Buckley. “That’s why Staples makes it convenient for them to recycle their old technology devices at Staples stores across the country whether or not they purchased those items from us.”

Staples’ sustainability vision is to generate business and environmental benefits for customers, communities and the company by leading the way in sustainable business practices. Staples works to achieve this vision through a focus on selling more sustainable products and services; offering easy recycling solutions; eliminating operational waste; maximizing energy efficiency and renewable energy use and; becoming a sustainability leader in the global community.

Headquartered in Framingham, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.