Where To Recycle Ink Cartridges In The UK (And Get Cash For Them)

Ever wondered what to do with your used ink cartridges? You’re not alone. Most people chuck them in the bin without realising there are plenty of ways to recycle them properly — and in some cases, even get paid for them.

Here’s a no-nonsense guide to the best places to recycle ink cartridges in the UK, plus where you’ll get the most money for your empties.

Which company pays the most for old ink cartridges?

There’s no single answer, because it depends on the cartridge model. That said, Tesco tends to be the most generous overall thanks to its Clubcard scheme, often paying the equivalent of £1.25 per cartridge. That comfortably beats most cash-paying recyclers.

Quick verdict

• Best value overall: Tesco (if your cartridges qualify)
• Most flexible acceptance: Takeback Ltd
• Best for unused cartridges: Printer Cartridge Recycling
• Least hassle: Ryman (but it’s store credit only)

Why ink cartridges are such a big deal in our house

I’m not sure about you, but our printer gets hammered.

My wife runs her childminding business from home, the kids are forever printing homework, and I’m constantly printing postage labels for side-hustle bits. We easily get through 100+ pages a month.

Printers themselves are cheap now. You can pick up a basic one for around £30, and a very decent model for under £100.

Ink, though? That’s where they get you. Replacement cartridges typically cost £10–£30 each, depending on brand.

To keep costs down, we use HP Instant Ink. HP sends new cartridges automatically and includes a prepaid envelope to send the old ones back for recycling. It’s convenient and saves us a fair bit over the year.

Cash for cartridges: what you need to know first

Before you start pricing up your empties, you’ll need to know:

• The manufacturer (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, etc.)
• Whether it’s black or colour
• Whether it’s virgin or non-virgin

A virgin cartridge is an original manufacturer cartridge that’s never been refilled.
A non-virgin cartridge has been refilled or relabelled by a third party (Tesco, Asda, compatibles, etc.).

This matters, because virgin cartridges are almost always worth more.

What happens next?

Most recycling companies work the same way:

You create an account, print a FREEPOST label, post your cartridges, and wait.
In some cases, it can take up to a month before your cartridges are checked and credited.

It’s slow, but it’s also effort-free.

How much do they actually pay?

Let’s be honest: you’re not getting rich from this.

On average, expect 50p to £2 per cartridge, depending on demand. Some models pay more, many pay nothing at all.

That’s why schemes like Tesco Clubcard often make more sense than straight cash.

Why do companies even want empty cartridges?

I used to think HP recycling my cartridges for free was oddly generous.

Turns out it’s simple economics.

The plastic cartridge casing is the expensive bit. Refill it, resell it, and margins improve dramatically. That’s why recyclers are picky — not every cartridge is worth reusing.

Companies that pay cash for ink cartridges

Ryman

Ryman accepts most cartridges in-store. Take them to a drop-off point and you’ll get 50p per cartridge, but only as credit towards a new cartridge.
Maximum of five cartridges per visit.

The Recycling Factory

Pays for selected HP, Canon and Epson cartridges (though Epson acceptance is very limited).

• 25p for non-virgin
• 50p for virgin
• £20 minimum for bank transfer
• No minimum for PayPal

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Tesco

Run by The Recycling Factory, but more generous.

Return eligible HP and Canon cartridges using an in-store envelope and earn 125 Clubcard points (£1.25) per cartridge.
Points can be doubled on certain rewards.

Empties Please

Mainly accepts HP and Canon, with some Lexmark and Samsung models.

Payout varies wildly — anywhere from 10p to £1.75, depending on demand.

Takeback Ltd

Accepts a wider range of cartridges, but there’s no public price list.
You’ll need to contact them for a valuation.
Free postage if you send 20+ cartridges.

Printer Cartridge Recycling

Accepts Brother, HP, Canon and Lexmark.

They also buy unused cartridges, which is handy if you’ve switched printers.

Prices range from 5p to £2, payment usually takes around three weeks.

eBay

Yes, people really do buy empty cartridges on eBay.
Downside: fees (for buyers), hassle, and postage usually eat most of the profit.

Where can you recycle ink cartridges for free?

Sainsbury’s

Some stores have recycling facilities in their car parks. Availability varies, so check the store locator first.

Local recycling centres

Most council recycling centres (tips) accept ink cartridges.
If you’re unsure, Recycle Now will point you to the nearest location.

RSPB

Donate cartridges to support wildlife conservation.
Run by The Recycling Factory, so acceptance rules are the same as Tesco.

Recycle4Charity

Choose your own charity and send cartridges by post.
Over £1 million raised so far, with payments made quarterly.

Any downsides to ink cartridge recycling?

Very few.

If you’re donating, you’re helping the environment and a good cause.
If you’re chasing cash, there’s always the risk your cartridges aren’t accepted — once sent, they’re gone.

That’s the trade-off.

Is it OK to throw ink cartridges in the bin?

Short answer: no.

Ink cartridges usually end up in:

• Landfill, where they can take 1,000+ years to decompose and may leak ink
• Incineration, releasing toxic gases into the air

Despite this, an estimated 75–85% of ink cartridges in the UK still aren’t recycled.

That’s grim — and totally avoidable.

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