Staples expands ink, toner recycling program

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. Staples announced that beginning Feb. 1, it will expand its ink and toner recycling program to award $3 in Staples Rewards on any brand of type of ink toner to customers who recycle these products.

In 2008, the company recycled more than 22 million ink and toner cartridges. With this program expansion, Staples expects to recycle more than 30 million cartridges in 2009 and become the world’s largest ink and toner recycler.

This expanded recycling program will make it even easier for customers to recycle their ink and toner cartridges while providing new ways to save money and be more eco-friendly. Customers can simply bring empty cartridges to any Staples store, each of which will earn them $3 back in Staples Rewards or Staples Teacher Rewards, on up to 10 cartridges per calendar month. Ink and toner recycling Staples Rewards are sent monthly and can be used on any Staples purchase in store, online or over the phone.

“The emergence of user-friendly ink and toner recycling programs like the one Staples is offering is an important step in helping Americans make more environmentally-friendly choices in their daily lives by keeping valuable products and materials out of the waste stream,” said Matt Hale, director of the Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery of U.S. EPA.