Where to take your old printer depends on its condition and what's inside it

An old printer can go to a recycling center, a manufacturer take-back program, a donation site, or the trash—but the route that works depends on whether it still works, whether it contains ink or toner cartridges, and what your local rules are. Printers contain metals, plastics, and sometimes hazardous materials like ink and toner powder, so throwing one in the regular garbage is illegal in many places. The fastest option is usually a local e-waste recycler or your city's hazardous waste collection day. If the printer works, donation is often free and keeps it out of the waste stream.

Before you move the printer, remove any remaining ink or toner cartridges and set them aside—most recyclers will not accept a printer with cartridges still installed. Check whether your printer's manufacturer runs a take-back program; many do, and some offer prepaid shipping labels. If you want to avoid shipping costs and the printer works, a local thrift store, school, or nonprofit may take it for free.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove ink or toner cartridges before dropping off a printer anywhere, because most recyclers will not accept them installed in the machine.
  • Local e-waste recyclers and city hazardous waste collection events are usually free and the fastest way to dispose of a printer that no longer works.
  • Many printer manufacturers—including HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother—run mail-back programs that may include prepaid shipping or a discount code toward a new printer.
  • If your printer works, thrift stores, schools, libraries, and nonprofits often accept donations and will pick up large items for free.
  • Cartridges should never go in the trash; take them to an office supply store, a recycler, or back to the manufacturer instead.

Finding a local e-waste recycler or hazardous waste collection day

Your city or county almost certainly runs a hazardous waste collection event at least once a year, and many run them monthly. Search "[your city] hazardous waste collection" or "[your county] e-waste recycling" to find the dates, locations, and what items they accept. Most accept printers free of charge. Call ahead if the website does not say whether cartridges need to be removed first—some require it, others do not.

If you cannot wait for a collection day, search for "e-waste recycler near me" or use the Earth911 recycling search tool (earth911.com). Enter your zip code and "printer" to see private recyclers in your area. Some charge a small fee ($5 to $15) to accept a printer, especially if it is large or contains hazardous materials. Ask whether they accept cartridges and whether you need to remove them before drop-off. Many recyclers will also accept the cartridges separately if you bring them at the same time.

Using a manufacturer take-back or mail-back program

HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Xerox, and most other major printer makers run programs where you can mail the printer back to them for recycling. Go to the manufacturer's website, search for "recycling" or "take-back program," and follow the link. You will usually see options to order a prepaid shipping label (sometimes free, sometimes $5 to $10) or to drop it off at a retail location if the brand has a partnership with stores near you.

HP's program, for example, lets you order a free shipping label on their website if you are recycling an HP printer. You pack the printer yourself, print the label, and drop it at a UPS location. Canon and Epson have similar programs. Some manufacturers offer a discount code toward a new printer if you recycle an old one, so check the terms before you pay for shipping. These programs usually take two to three weeks from drop-off to completion, so do not expect an when ready confirmation.

Donating a working printer to a school, library, or nonprofit

If your printer still works, a local school, public library, nonprofit office, or community center may want it. Call ahead before you show up—most organizations cannot accept donations without advance notice, and some have specific needs or space constraints. Schools often need printers for classrooms or computer labs. Libraries sometimes accept donations for their public computers or to lend to patrons. Nonprofits and food banks frequently need office equipment.

Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift stores accept working printers and will usually pick up large items for free if you schedule a donation pickup on their website. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are also options if you want to give the printer away locally without shipping it. Post clear photos, list the brand and model, and be honest about any quirks (slow printing, occasional paper jams). Many people will take a free working printer even if it is older.

What to do with ink and toner cartridges

Ink and toner cartridges should never go in the trash. They contain materials that can leak into soil and groundwater, and in many places it is illegal to throw them away. Remove cartridges from the printer before recycling or donating it, and handle them separately.

Office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot accept empty or used cartridges for free recycling, no purchase required. Some stores offer a small credit (usually $2 to $5 per cartridge) if you buy a replacement. Mail them back to the manufacturer using a prepaid label—most brands offer this free on their websites. If the cartridges are still full or partially full, some recyclers will refill them, and websites like Amazon and eBay have buyers for unused cartridges. Never pour out toner powder or ink to dispose of it; seal the cartridge in a bag and take it to a recycler or store.

Preparing your printer for drop-off or donation

Before you hand over the printer, remove all cartridges and set them aside for separate recycling. Open any access panels or covers and remove any paper, plastic packing material, or foam that may still be inside—recyclers need to see the actual machine. Wipe down the outside with a dry cloth if it is dusty, but do not use water or cleaning products.

If you are donating a working printer, include the power cable and any USB cables that came with it. If you have the original manual or driver disc, include those too, though most people will read drivers from the manufacturer's website instead. Do not leave personal documents in the printer's memory. Most modern printers do not store files, but older models sometimes do—check your manual or the manufacturer's website to see how to clear the memory, or ask the recycler or recipient whether they can do it.

When your printer is too large or too damaged to move

If the printer is a large format model (wide-format or industrial), it may be too heavy or bulky to transport yourself. Some e-waste recyclers offer pickup for a fee, usually $25 to $75 depending on size and distance. Call local recyclers and ask whether they pick up. If the printer is broken beyond repair and you cannot move it, some junk removal services (like 1-800-GOT-JUNK) will haul it away, though they charge for the service.

If cost is a barrier, post it on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist as "free—you haul" and let someone else pick it up. Many people collect old printers for parts or repair, and they may be willing to come get it. If no one responds after a week, contact your city's solid waste department to ask whether they have a bulk item pickup day or a special program for electronics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a printer in the regular trash?

No. Printers contain metals, plastics, and hazardous materials like ink and toner. Most cities and states prohibit them in regular garbage. You can face a fine if caught. Use a recycler, manufacturer program, or hazardous waste collection day instead.

Do I have to remove the cartridges before recycling?

Check with your specific recycler or collection program first. Some require cartridges to be removed; others accept them installed. Call ahead or check the website. If you are unsure, remove them to be safe—they are straightforward to take out and can be recycled separately.

What if my printer still has ink or toner in the cartridges?

Full or partially full cartridges can still be recycled. Do not try to empty them yourself. Take them to an office supply store, mail them to the manufacturer, or give them to a recycler. Some refill services will buy unused cartridges if they are the right model.

How long does it take to recycle a printer through a manufacturer program?

Usually two to three weeks from the time you drop it off at a shipping location. You will receive a tracking number so you can monitor progress. Some manufacturers send a confirmation email when the printer arrives at their facility.

Is there any money in recycling an old printer?

Not usually. Most recyclers do not pay for printers. Some manufacturers offer a discount code toward a new printer if you recycle an old one—check their website. If the printer works, you can sell it on Facebook Marketplace or eBay, but expect to get only a small amount unless it is a recent, high-end model.