What happens to the cartridges?
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The recycling programme is serviced by K2 Supplies Ltd. They currently collect in excess of 200,000 used toner and inkjet cartridges per month from sites across the UK.
Toner Cartridges
Empty toner cartridges are classified as the following:
Originally Manufactured
Original branded empty cartridges are recycled in our remanufacturing facility in Epsom. This accounts for 65% of toner units we receive through our collection system.
Greenman Manufactured (K2 Supplies sister company)
Greenman branded empty cartridges are recycled in our remanufacturing facility in Epsom. This accounts for 15% of units we receive through our collection system. If they are not suitable for further remanufacturing, they are treated as ‘other remanufactured’.
Other Remanufactured
Cartridges remanufactured by companies other than Greenman are bulk boxed and shipped to recycling companies throughout Europe who break the cartridges down for components. This accounts for 10% of empty toner units we receive through our collection system.
Copier Toner Bottles
These items cannot be remanufactured, however the plastic is recycled for use in other products by a third party recycling company. This accounts for 5% of empty toner units we receive through our collection system.
Out of Range Product
Items, which we do not remanufacture, are either stored in our warehouse pending development or traded on within the industry. This accounts for 5% of empty toner units we receive through our collection system.
Inkjet Cartridges
Empty inkjet cartridges are classified as the following:
Originally Manufactured
Original branded empty inkjet cartridges are recycled in our remanufacturing facility in Epsom. This accounts for 70% of inkjet units we receive through our collection system.
Greenman Manufactured
Greenman branded empty inkjet cartridges are recycled in our remanufacturing facility in Epsom. This accounts for 5% of inkjet units we receive through our collection system.
Other Remanufactured
Inkjet cartridges remanufactured by companies other than Greenman are recycled in our remanufacturing facility in Epsom. This accounts for 10% of inkjet units we receive through our collection system.
Out of Range Product
Items, which we do not remanufacture, are either stored in our warehouse pending development or traded on within the industry. This accounts for 15% of inkjet units we receive through our collection system.
Packaging
All cardboard packaging, which is sent through our collection programme, is baled and collected from our premises for recycling. We strive to ensure that all packaging that we use is recyclable. Materials are separated in order to make recycling easier.
Aluminium Drums
OPC drums from cartridges are made of aluminium. We recycle 40% of the original drums in Greenman cartridges. The remaining 60% of the drums that we are unable to use are collected for aluminium recycling.
Paper
Paper used for testing cartridges is recycled.
K2 Supplies LTD
Unit 14, Nonsuch Business Park, Kiln Lane, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 1DY
Tel: 01372 723723
Fax: 01372 743743
empties@k2supplies.com
www.k2supplies.com
Further Information
Defra guide to green labels >> (pdf - size: 339kb)
Inkjet and Toner Cartridge Recycling Programme >>