Recycling
Canon Cartridge Recycling Programme
Did you know that Canon was the first company to launch a toner cartridge recycling programme back in 1990?
Recycling
Canon Cartridge Recycling Programme
About
Canon’s cartridge recycling programme provides you with a free, easy and environmentally responsible way to recycle your empty Canon cartridges.
Canon is committed to a no waste to landfill policy. Each element of every returned cartridge is reused or recycled - be it as a component in a new cartridge, as a base material in other industries, or as a substitute for fossil fuels. No part of the cartridge is sent to landfill.
We offer a free recycling programme for genuine Canon toner and inkjet cartridges.
TONER
Learn more about our free, easy recycling programme for genuine Canon toner cartridges.
LEARN
STORY SO FAR
FACTS & FIGURES
Between 1990 and 2020 Canon has collected and recycled more than 435,000 tons of toner cartridges globally.
FACTS & FIGURES
Between 1996 and 2020 Canon has collected and recycled more than 2,510 tons of used inkjet cartridges, and is operational in 35 countries and regions worldwide.
FACTS & FIGURES
By recovering, re-using and recycling parts from used cartridges Canon has been able to reduce its reliance on new raw materials by more than 306,000 tons between 1990 and 2020.
We are honoured to be recognised by the following awards:
2021
The UK’s largest sustainability awards recognise excellence across the spectrum of green business
2021
The EcoVadis Rating reviews companies across a number of areas that are key to meeting sustainable targets, including the environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement impacts.
2021
The Business Green Leaders CE Awards businesses who push green business principles and clean technologies into the mainstream
2019
Edie’s Sustainability Leaders Awards is the UK’s largest and most prestigious sustainability awards and recognises excellence across the spectrum of green business
The history of cartridge recycling
1982-1992
In 1982 Canon launches the world’s first personal copying machines with an all-in-one cartridge system. Eight years later, in 1990, the Canon Toner Cartridge Recycling Programme is launched in the USA, Japan and Germany. In 1992 Canon starts closed-loop plastic recycling and wins the Grand Prize at Global Environmental Awards.
1997-2002
In 1997 Canon starts recycling cartridges at Canon Bretagne in France and 2 years later, in 1999, the recycling programme is launched in three more European countries. In 2002 Canon expands the programme to 10 countries in Europe.
2003-2009
In 2003 Canon achieves ‘no waste to landfill’ for toner cartridge recycling. In 2008 the recycling programme is increased to 12 countries, and a web-based cartridge return process is launched. During the same year, the collection volume of cartridges reaches 200,000 tonnes. The following year, in 2009, Finland and Sweden launch bulk cartridge recycling.
2011-2013
In 2011, the number of European countries where Canon offers a toner cartridge recycling programme increases to 18. The next year, in 2012, the global collection volume of toner cartridges reaches 300,000 tonnes. In 2013 Canon Bretagne introduces an entirely new materials recycling process.