Frequently asked questions
Large collector – ink and toner cartridges - courier option
Q. I have several printer cartridges I'd like to recycle for the RNLI. I haven't recycled them with you before. What should I do?
A. We would like to be in contact with you before you send items back for the first time so that we can ensure that we provide you with any resources you need to recycle and arrange collections at a time that is convenient for you. Cooperating with us at the beginning means that we can maximise the funds that we pay to the RNLI.
Q. I have recycled printer cartridges before with the RNLI, or with another scheme and I think I know what to do, do you still want to get in contact with me?
A. Yes, we would still like to speak to you! From summer 2008 we are working with the RNLI to recycle their cartridges and we may do some things differently to their previous recycler. The recycling world is always changing and so it is good to check things with us first so that we can use resources wisely and maximise the funds that we pay to the RNLI.
Q. How do I send the cartridges I have collected back to you?
A. We will explain everything in more detail when we contact you for the first time. We send a courier to collect your cartridges at a time that is convenient for you.
Q. Do you provide a box for me to store the cartridges in?
A. We can provide you with the resources that will help you to recycle your items. We have boxes available for this. Please contact us so that we can arrange this for you and ensure that you have the items that most suit you.
Q. Am I supposed to collect ink or toner cartridges? I am unsure which is which?
A. An ink cartridge is fairly small and will fit in the palm of your hand. The ink that comes out of an ink cartridge is sticky liquid. Ink cartridges are used in most home printers.
A toner cartridge is generally much larger, it has toner dust and not liquid ink inside it. Most office printers take toner cartridges.
The term printer cartridge can mean either an ink or a toner cartridge.
If you are collecting printer cartridges for the RNLI please try to collect both ink and toner cartridges. If you are in an office environment then remember to ask workmates to bring in ink cartridges from home as well as collecting toners from big office printers.
Q. What about other items found in large printers e.g. drums, fusers and transfer units? Can you take these for recycling?
A. We can sometimes recycle these for you or will know an alternative recycler for you to send them to. Please don't send us bulky or heavy items without checking that we can recycle them.
If you would like to arrange for a collection or have an enquiry about donating cartridges either individually or in your workplace, please contact Johnson Recycling:
- phone on freephone 0808 144 1800 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday
Please note: Johnson Recycling experiences high call volume between 12-2pm - by email
A freepost address is available that supporters can use to donate certain types of inkjet cartridges by post. Due to the cost of postage it is no longer cost effective for the RNLI to provide recycling envelopes. Please only use the freepost address to send back ink cartridges. Toner cartridges cannot be sent back via freepost so please refer to the courier collections. If you are unsure whether you have an ink or toner cartridge please check here.
