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How do HP recycle their ink cartridges?

Back to Recycling

HP have a recycling programme which enables them to fully recycle their ink cartridges.  The process for recycling HP ink cartridges is as follows:

  • Once cartridges are received at HP's recycling facility, they go through a de-packaging process
  • Cartridges are then automatically sorted into cartridge families by using an X-ray processing machine
  • They are then mechanically separated and shredded into raw materials such as plastics and metals
  • The shredded PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastics are then taken to a refining facility where they are mixed with recycled bottle resin and additives to create recycled PET or RPET
  • The RPET is then heated and melted at 575 degrees farenheit.  The extruded spaghetti-like material is then cooled, chopped into small pieces and then shipped for processing

Interesting HP Recycling Facts

  • Some ink cartridges use up to 50-75% of recycled contents
  • The recipe for HP's RPET is a closely guarded secret - akin to the recipe for coca-cola!
  • HP'S Environmental Goals include recycling 3.5 billion pounds (1.6 million tonnes) of electronic products and supplied by the end of 2015 - and they are currently on target to meet this goal.

 Useful Videos

Click here to view a video about HP's Recycling Facility in Nashville, TN, USA 

Click here to view a video about HP's closed loop recycling process from a recycling facility at Lavergne Group in Montreal, QC 

How HP recycle their ink cartridges