Stop Drop Recycle: An Earth Day Reminder of Sharp’s Toner Recycling Program

Do you know what your organization does with empty toner cartridges? Every office relies on toner cartridges, bottles, and drum units to keep printers and copiers running. Once these supplies are empty, they often become an afterthought. According to EcoTonerUSA, an estimated 375 million printer cartridges are discarded in the U.S. each year, and roughly 70% end up in landfills, adding to long-term waste and environmental impact.

Earth Day is a reminder that even routine office habits can contribute to a healthier planet. Our short toner waste video highlights common ways toner is wasted in everyday office environments, along with a reminder of how to recycle through Sharp’s program.

That focus on reducing waste is exactly why Sharp’s Stop Drop Recycle Program was created. It gives organizations a simple way to recycle every Sharp toner cartridge, bottle, and drum unit with one hundred percent zero waste to landfill. Instead of becoming trash, these everyday consumables are kept out of landfills and put back into responsible material recovery.

Why Toner Recycling Matters for Businesses

Toner consumables move through office devices every day. Without a recycling plan, they quickly accumulate as waste. Recycling them supports:

• Reduced landfill impact
• Progress toward sustainability goals
• A workplace culture that values environmental responsibility

Earth Day underscores how small, consistent actions like toner recycling can create meaningful environmental change. For a clearer understanding of how the program works, our Toner Recycling Program flyer provides additional information.

A Simple, Scalable Solution for Office Sustainability

The Stop Drop Recycle Program is designed to work in every office environment, whether a company uses a few cartridges a month or dozens a week. Every item collected is recycled with zero waste to landfill, making sustainability easy to integrate into daily operations.

Options for Every Type of Workplace

• Bulk Recycling Kits Ideal for high‑volume locations. Each kit includes pre‑addressed, pre‑paid boxes, liners, and zip ties. Each box holds up to ten cartridges, reducing shipping trips and lowering the overall carbon footprint.
•  Low‑Volume Options Perfect for smaller offices or satellite locations, individual cartridges can be dropped off at Staples or shipped directly to Sharp’s recycling facility using a free UPS label.

Both options make toner recycling accessible, practical, and easy to maintain.

A Customer Success Story: Bringing Sustainability to Life

Organizations using the Stop Drop Recycle Program see the impact firsthand. Less waste, cleaner operations, and stronger environmental commitment become part of everyday routines.

Burke County Public Schools is one example of the many Sharp clients that use the program. The school district uses the program to easily ship copier consumables, such as toner cartridges, in bulk, to a recycling facility.

Their experience shows that sustainability does not have to be complicated or disruptive. Small actions, repeated consistently, create real environmental benefits. Every cartridge recycled is more than waste management, it reflects an organization’s values and its commitment to the communities it serves.

How Businesses Can Get Started

Get started right now! Our Toner Recycling webpage explains how to:

• Order a Bulk Recycling Kit with all shipping materials included
• Schedule a pickup if daily UPS service is not available, or drop the kit at any UPS location
• Place the kit in a central spot so recycling becomes part of daily operations

Once the system is in place, teams adopt it quickly and consistently because it becomes part of everyday office habits.

Take Action This Earth Day

Toner recycling does not need to be complicated. With the Stop Drop Recycle Program, offices of any size can take part in zero‑waste recycling and reduce their environmental footprint.

Whether through a Bulk Recycling Kit or a low‑volume drop‑off option, every Sharp cartridge, bottle, and drum unit is recycled responsibly. Small, everyday actions add up to real impact. By making toner recycling part of your office routine, your organization supports sustainability goals and demonstrates leadership that extends beyond the office walls.