How to Recycle Printers and Cartridges in New Zealand

You've just unpacked a shiny new printer or bought replacement printer cartridges. But now you have a problem. What do you do with that old printer or used cartridges?

While it might be tempting to throw them out with the rubbish, hopefully there's a voice in your head urging you not to do that.

Good! Please don't.

Recycling printers and cartridges is essential for reducing electronic waste and protecting the environment. E-waste often contains harmful materials, but recycling allows valuable components to be reused, minimising pollution and conserving resources.

Whether you use genuine OEM cartridges or more affordable compatible alternatives, there are recycling options available to you in New Zealand - though the right option depends on which type you use. This guide covers both.

Why Recycling Printers and Cartridges Matters

Printers and cartridges are a significant part of the growing e-waste problem. When discarded improperly, they contribute to environmental pollution due to toxic substances like heavy metals. Recycling not only prevents these harmful materials from entering landfills but also recovers valuable resources such as plastic, metals, and components for reuse in manufacturing.

By recycling your printers and cartridges, you actively reduce waste, conserve resources, and support sustainability efforts for a cleaner New Zealand.

Recycling Compatible & Third-Party Cartridges

If you use compatible or third-party cartridges, this section is for you. The options below accept cartridges of any brand - no need to worry about whether they're genuine or not.

Harvey Norman - Free, Any Brand

Harvey Norman is one of the easiest options for compatible cartridge users. They accept any brand of used ink cartridges, toner cartridges, drum cartridges, and labelling cassettes - free for both households and businesses. Look for the recycling box near the ink and toner section in-store.

Warehouse Stationery & Noel Leeming

Both retailers have cartridge drop-off points through The Recycling Group (Croxley). While these bins are part of Canon's recycling programme, many stores will accept mixed cartridges including compatibles. It's worth checking with your local store to confirm their current practice - most front-line staff can advise.

OfficeMax Recycling Box - Any Brand (Paid)

OfficeMax offers a paid recycling box service that can accept any toner cartridges, including generic and compatible brands, with collection included. This is a practical option for home offices or businesses with a regular volume of empties.

Local Council E-Waste Programmes

Some councils run e-waste drop-off days or permanent facilities that accept printer consumables. Check your local council's website for details. If you're in Auckland, this page on the council's website lists where you can get rid of printer toner and ink cartridges in Auckland.

Practical Tips for Compatible Cartridge Users

• Keep a small box at home to collect your empty compatible cartridges until you have a reasonable amount.
• Drop them all at Harvey Norman or another "any brand" scheme in one trip.
• If you want collection from your home or business address, the OfficeMax paid box service is a convenient option.
• When in doubt, call ahead - staff at most drop-off points can confirm whether they'll accept compatible brands.

While you're dropping off your empties, it's worth comparing the price of replacement cartridges in-store with those available online at Good Egg. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much you can save by buying from us!

Recycling Options for Genuine (OEM) Cartridges

If you use genuine cartridges from HP, Canon, Epson, or Brother, you have access to free manufacturer take-back programmes. Note that these are generally intended for original cartridges only.

HP

HP offers recycling for both HP and Samsung cartridges, including a mail-in option plus a handful of drop-off points in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Learn more on the HP recycling page.

Canon, Epson, and Brother

Printers: These can be dropped off at designated locations throughout NZ and will be recycled by TechCollect.  

Cartridges: Used printer cartridges can be dropped off at multiple locations around NZ and are processed by Croxley Recycling.

Learn more:

• Canon recycling programme
• Epson recycling programme
• Brother recycling programme

Additional Options from Brother

• Freepost recycling bag: Request a free bag via Recycling Group to return cartridges directly by post.
• Old printer pick-up service: If you've bought a new Brother printer, they will collect your old one (any brand) plus take away the packaging of your new printer. You'll need the serial number of your new Brother printer to register.

For Businesses Generating Bulk E-Waste

Businesses handling a high volume of printer cartridges have access to tailored solutions that simplify recycling at scale.

Brother

Offers collection boxes for Managed Print Services customers disposing of multiple cartridges or ink packs monthly.

Epson

If you're a medium or large business collecting more than three cartridges, ink packs, or bottles per month, you may be eligible for a free collection box. Register for a workplace collection box here.

HP

If you have more than 10 toner cartridges or 20 ink cartridges, you can schedule a free collection service at your location. Apply to HP here.

Solutions for Remote or Limited Access Areas

If you live in a rural or remote area with limited access to drop-off locations, there are still ways to recycle responsibly:

• HP Mail-In Service: Conveniently send cartridges to HP for recycling. Details here.
• Brother Recycling Bag Program: Request a Brother recycling bag to send back used cartridges without needing a drop-off point.
• Local Councils: Some councils offer e-waste collection services. Check with your local council for programs in your area.

Conclusion

Recycling printers and cartridges responsibly helps protect the environment and reduce waste. Whether you use genuine cartridges or compatibles, there's a recycling option available to you in New Zealand - it's just a matter of using the right one.

At Good Egg, we sell both genuine and compatible cartridges, and we think it's important that customers can dispose of both responsibly. Compatible cartridges are a great way to reduce printing costs - and with the "any brand" options above, they don't have to cost the earth either.

When it's time to replace your cartridges, visit www.goodegg.co.nz for the best prices and free shipping on orders over $95.