Print cartridge recycling

Print cartridges at UOW are able to be recycled via the Cartridges 4 Planet Ark program.  This program enables the collection and return of print cartridges for re-manufacturing and recycling. 

Accepted print cartridges and equipment

Print cartridge brands able to be recycled via this collection service are:

  • Brother
  • Canon
  • Epson
  • HP
  • Kyocera

 All printing related equipment that are from the brands supported by the program can be disposed in the collection boxes including:

  • All bottles, large & small
  • All cartridges: toner & inkjets
  • Bulk inkjet containers
  • Bulk plastics
  • Bulk toner/developer
  • Bulk liquid cleaning units
  • Copier parts
  • Developer units
  • Drum units
  • Fuser units 
  • Fax rolls
  • Imaging units
  • Printheads
  • Toner collection kits
  • Transfer kits
  • Waste hoppers/containers/collectors

Print cartridges cannot be recycled in your normal recycling bin at home. As part of the University’s commitment to the environment, and to the community, as long as they are of brands supported by this recycling program you are encouraged to bring in your print cartridges in from home and place them in the Cartridges 4 Planet Ark bins on campus.  

Collection locations

Print cartridge recycling collection boxes are located in most buildings at UOW.  Student accessible bins at the Wollongong Campus are located at

  • Building 31 foyer
  • In the print area of the library
  • In the Unishop

Staff should contact the Environment Unit to find out where your nearest print cartridge recycling box is located, or if you need one for your area.  

If you are an outside organisation looking to recycle print toner cartridges please contact Planet Ark for advice on 1800 242 473.

Emptying cartridge collection boxes

At Wollongong, Innovation Campus and Student Accommodation:

  1. Remove the bin liner and secure it with the tie provided as part of the bin kit. Print cartridge recycling bags that are being returned for recycling have a maximum weight limit of 15kg.
  2. Place the bag in the internal mail.  UOW’s Distribution Services will make sure it gets to Australia Post for sending to the recyclers.
  3. Replace the bin liner (spares are usually available in the bottom of the box). 

If you run out of liner bags or cable ties, contact the Environment Unit.

Download the poster with instructions and place it near your collection box.  Print cartridge collection box poster  (pdf) 

At UOW regional campuses:

  1. Remove the bin liner and secure it with the tie provided as part of the bin kit. Print cartridge recycling bags that are being returned for recycling have a maximum weight limit of 15kg.
  2. Send your bag via the post (there is a reply paid sticker on the liner bag).
  3. Replace the bin liner (spares are usually available in the bottom of the box). 

Download the poster with instructions and place it near your collection box.  Print cartridge collection box poster  for regional campuses (pdf) 

Under no circumstances should an external company/contractor be coming to empty these collection bins at any campus.  If this situation arises please contact UOW Security.