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Empty HP 218 toner cartridges: recycling and take-back

An empty toner cartridge is not ordinary trash. Here is how to return it responsibly in the United States.

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Why not the trash?

A toner cartridge contains plastics, metal, residual toner and electronics (the chip). Returning it keeps those out of landfill and lets materials be reused — and empty HP shells are what remanufacturers rebuild into remanufactured cartridges. Do not put toner cartridges in curbside recycling bins.

Where to return empty HP 218 cartridges

HP Planet Partners (HP's own program)

To the website →

HP's return and recycling program for HP printing supplies and equipment.

How: Start at hp.com/recycle, choose supplies, and follow the return steps offered for your address.

Suitable for: Original HP cartridges, including HP 218A and 218X.

Staples recycling

To the website →

Staples lists ink cartridges and toner cartridges among the items it recycles.

How: Bring empties to a Staples store; check the current conditions on Staples' recycling page first.

Suitable for: Ink and toner cartridges — check Staples' page for current brand and quantity limits.

Your local e-waste or household hazardous waste program

Many counties and cities run collection days or drop-off sites for electronics and printer supplies.

How: Search your county's or city's solid-waste website for printer cartridges; rules differ by location.

Suitable for: Leaking or damaged cartridges and brands no take-back program accepts.

Preparing a return

  • Put the empty cartridge in the bag or box of the new cartridge — it prevents toner dust.
  • Collect several cartridges and return them in one go.
  • Keep leaking cartridges separate and sealed.
  • Do not take the cartridge apart; return it whole.

Frequently asked questions about cartridge recycling

I spilled toner. How do I clean it up?

HP's replacement guide says to wipe toner off clothing with a dry cloth and wash in cold water — hot water sets toner into fabric. On surfaces, avoid blowing it around; pick it up with a damp cloth rather than a household vacuum.

What is the difference between remanufactured and compatible toner?

A remanufactured cartridge is a used Original HP cartridge that has been cleaned, refilled and re-chipped or reset — Staples and Quill sell their own. Staples says its remanufactured 218X reuses a reset HP chip, does not support toner-low messages and may make the printer report a "reused" or "non-HP" cartridge.

A compatible ("new-build") cartridge is made new by a third party with its own chip. Both are non-HP supplies for warranty purposes; the reused-HP-chip route is the one HP itself says dynamic security does not target.

Does compatible toner void my HP printer warranty?

No — HP says using a non-HP cartridge does not void the HP Limited Warranty or an HP support contract. However, HP also says any printer failure or damage caused by a non-HP cartridge is not covered.

Separately, check the cartridge's own guarantee: Swift Ink states 24 months, Quill states a 2-year defect guarantee for its brand, Staples a 100% performance guarantee, and marketplace listings follow the seller's return window.

How do I replace an HP 218 toner cartridge?

HP's steps: open the cartridge access door, pull out the toner drawer by its blue handle, lift the empty cartridge straight up, rock the new one gently to spread the toner, remove all packing material, and set it in the slot whose color chip matches. Push the drawer in and close the door. Hold the cartridge by its ends and never touch the roller.

Where can I recycle empty HP 218 cartridges?

HP runs HP Planet Partners, its return and recycling program for HP printing supplies (hp.com/recycle). Staples lists toner cartridges among the items it recycles. Remanufacturers also buy or accept empties. Do not put toner cartridges in curbside recycling.

Can I throw an empty toner cartridge in the trash?

It is better not to: a cartridge contains plastics, metal, residual toner and electronics (the chip). Use HP Planet Partners or a retail take-back instead. Seal a leaking cartridge in the bag from the new one before you send it off.

Sources (3)

Facts from HP, retailers and standards bodies are labeled as such. Calculations (cost per page, yearly cost) are estimates by 218toner.com. Last reconciled on .