We’ve all been there—ordering printer supplies, only to realize you bought the wrong ones. Maybe you upgraded your printer, maybe your office downsized, or maybe you just clicked “add to cart” too quickly. Now you’re staring at those unopened boxes of toner cartridges and wondering what to do next. Returning them isn’t an option, but tossing them in the trash feels wasteful. The good news? We’ve got you some good options.
Let’s talk through some practical, eco-friendly, and even profitable ways to deal with toner cartridges you can’t send back.
1. Sell Unused Toner Cartridges Online
One of the simplest and most rewarding options is to sell unused toner cartridges. Believe it or not, there’s a thriving secondary market for toner and ink. Businesses, resellers, and even individuals are constantly looking for discounted cartridges that are still sealed and in good condition.
Websites, online marketplaces, and specialized toner buyback companies such as Surplus Toner Buyer let you quickly list and sell toner cartridges for cash. Not only do you recover some of your original cost, but someone else benefits from affordable supplies. It’s a win-win.
Pro tip: Some buyers are only interested in unopened boxes only but we can take freight-distressed products too.
2. Recycle Toner Cartridges Through Manufacturer Programs
Maybe selling isn’t your thing. That’s okay—manufacturers like HP, Canon, and Brother often have free recycling programs for toner and ink. You can mail them back with prepaid labels or drop them off at designated locations.
While you won’t make money this way, you’ll know your cartridges are being properly recycled instead of ending up in a landfill. Considering how long plastics take to break down, that’s a pretty big deal for the planet.
3. Donate to Non-profits or Schools
Here’s another feel-good option: donation. Many non-profits, community centers, and schools operate on tight budgets and would gladly accept unused toner cartridges. Even if the toner cartridges don’t fit their printers, they might know organizations that could use them.
Donations can sometimes even qualify for a tax deduction (check with your accountant), so you could get both a financial and emotional reward out of helping others.
4. Work With a Toner Cartridges Buyback Company
Companies specialize in purchasing surplus office supplies, including toner (think Surplus Toner Buyer). If you have multiple cartridges to move, this route is especially convenient. We even cover shipping costs and offer referral bonuses.
When you sell unused toner cartridges through us, you not only avoid the hassle of finding individual buyers but also deal with professionals who understand the market value of what you have.
5. Think Twice Before Storing Them Away
Your first instinct might be to just stick the cartridges in a drawer for “someday.” But toner and ink cartridges don’t last forever. Heat, humidity, and time can all degrade them, which means that when you finally need them, they may not work at all.
If you do decide to hold on to them for a while, make sure you are aware of proper toner and ink cartridge storage tips—like keeping them sealed, upright, and in a cool, dry place. Otherwise, you may end up with expensive paperweights.
Why Selling Toner Cartridges are Often the Best Option?
At the end of the day, your toner cartridges are worth money right now, but their value will only go down the longer you hold onto them. It is crucial to avoid these kinds of mistakes while selling your unused toner. By choosing to sell new or unused toner cartridges you not only recoup some of your original investment but also keep those supplies in circulation where they’re actually needed.
And let’s be real—selling them feels a whole lot better and practical than tossing them in the recycling bin.
Final Thoughts
Having toner cartridges you can’t return might feel like an inconvenience at first, but it doesn’t have to be a waste. From recycling to working with a buyback company such as Surplus Toner Buyer, you have plenty of ways to give those cartridges a second life.
Explore your options, make some money back, and feel good knowing you’ve made a smarter, more sustainable choice. To get going with the experts, call 855-418-6637 or email us at info@surplustonerbuyer.com for any further information.