Staples Collects Spent Cartridges Online

Staples, a leading online and storefront retailer for office supplies based in Toronto, Canada, announced the launch of an online spent ink and toner cartridge collection program.

In addition to allowing its Staples Rewards members to recycle empty ink and toner cartridges by printing a pre-paid shipping label, Staples said those members will receive $2 back in Staples Rewards for each product. The company believes that the program enables retailers to fulfill their commitment for making a positive impact on the environment and helps them meet the needs of their customers.

Mark Buckley, Vice President for Environmental Affairs at Staples, commented, “This is a huge win for Staples as we make it easy for Staples Rewards members to choose how they want to recycle their ink and toner cartridges. Whether they choose to recycle in-store or online, they have one more opportunity to save on future purchases while reducing waste.”

Further, Staples noted its “in-store electronics recycling program has a goal of recycling 40 million pounds of electronic-waste globally each year by 2020”. Plus, the company claimed it is the only national retailer recognized as an e-Stewards Enterprise, which proves that Staples will pursue e-Stewards certified recyclers for e-Waste management when possible.

In August, Recycling Times reported that Staples had launched Staples Rewards program for recycling in-store. It has recycled 350 million ink and toner cartridges since 2005 and reached the milestone rate of 60 million cartridges per year in 2010.