There is a solution for what to do with those used and out-of-date toner cartridges stacking up in the supply cabinet. A new program offered by Wayne State University, in partnership with Office Max, offers a sustainable solution to properly dispose of toner cartridges.

Best yet, there is a rebate for most cartridges that are returned by those departments signed up for the program. Each department is responsible for saving its cartridges and coordinating shipping back to Office Max. Shipping is free. The recyclable materials will then be repurposed and made available for resale.

“I like this program because it helps keep these toner cartridges out of landfills,” said Daryl Pierson, who works in of the Office of Campus Sustainability. “Every year 300 to 400 million toner cartridges are sold but only 20 million are recycled. That’s a big disconnect. I think this program will make a difference, because every effort helps.”

The program accepts any brand of inkjet or toner cartridge.

Pierson added that it is important to keep these materials from landfills as it is estimated that it takes 1,000 years for cartridges to decompose. For more information about the program, visit www.livinggreen.wayne.edu/recycling  or email begreen@wayne.edu.