Recycle Ink Cartridges - Tips For Success

Ink cartridge recycling fundraisers are very popular because they are super easy and keep millions of useful cartridges out of landfills. There are several things your organization can do to make your ink cartridge recycling program even more successful.

Be A Good Partner

• Obtain their latest list of accepted cartridges
• Update the list regularly and pass it on to donors
• Remit only 'virgin' ink cartridges (those not refurbished or refilled)
• Sort through donated cartridges and weed out unacceptable units (tip—sometimes one company can take ink cartridges another cannot; it may be worth looking for a couple of redemption partners)
• Follow the company's schedule for redemptions and payment
• Follow remission and packaging instructions, and package large donations conveniently for easier processing (see below)

Recruit Donations

• Calling area businesses and asking them to set aside their used ink cartridges; assign someone to pick the cartridges up to make it even easier on the company.


• Encourage your group's members to collect ink cartridges from their employers, friends, family, and others. You might consider supplying a second outreach letter that can be given to peripheral supporters.


• Set up community collection boxes; attach a letter or sign explaining what can be donated and who will benefit (your group). All you have to do then is regularly check and empty the boxes. Note that some businesses might welcome a drop box at their office, too—they can drop their cartridges in, and so can their employees and clients.

Protect Your Profits

• Keep ink cartridges in original packaging when possible (or as directed)
• Pack larger cartridges first (on box bottom)
• Group ink cartridges by type/manufacturer
• Place newspaper or cardboard between each layer
• Fill in gaps with newspaper

This is an article created by the FundraisingIP.com Editorial Team. For more fundraising ideas and fundraiser help, go to our article directory at FundraisingIP.com/articles.