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Toner

Buying remanufactured toner cartridges saves money and reduces waste. These cartridges are used once, then taken apart, cleaned, refilled, and rebuilt with new parts as needed. They usually cost 30–50% less than new cartridges.

King County requires that used cartridges be remanufactured and that all parts are recycled at the end of their life. This keeps hazardous materials out of landfills.

Best Practices

  • Always return empty cartridges for remanufacturing or recycling. Buy remanufactured cartridges instead of new ones when possible.
  • Buy high-yield cartridges with more ink so that they last longer
  • Store cartridges properly to extend their life and reduce waste.
  • Look for the warranty guarantees - All cartridges, new or remanufactured, shall be guaranteed to perform to OEM specifications and to the satisfaction of King County.

Policy and Goals:

King County’s Sustainable Purchasing Executive Policy (CON 7-22-1-EP)

  • Reducing waste generation by choosing products that are durable, reusable, repairable, refillable, recyclable, compostable, salvageable, deconstructable, or made with recycled content or remanufactured parts;
  • Ensuring performance, durability, and quality of products to maximize the useful life of assets.

Testimonials

  • King County Superior Court: "The remanufactured product is exactly what we need—and it’s cheaper. It saves us money across departments, has fast turnaround, and lasts longer than new cartridges, which cost three times as much and run out faster."
  • King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks: "The remanufactured cartridges work just as well as the originals. The service is excellent, and delivery takes only one to two business days."

Quick Tips

Choose

  • Remanufactured printer cartridges
  • Bio-based cartridges
  • High-yield OEM (new) cartridges to reduce waste from frequent replacements
  • Cartridges that are fully recyclable

Avoid

  • New, single-use cartridges when sustainable alternatives are available
  • Cartridges labeled as "compatible," "generic," or "refilled" (unverified quality)

End of Life

  • Recycle used cartridges through the supplier or certified recycling program

An EPA checkmark indicates a certification or standard is recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Cartridges supplied under contract must meet original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) standards and provide full performance guarantees. The County’s specifications require spent cartridges to be remanufactured and all components to be recycled when their useful life is over, reducing the landfill disposal of hazardous material.

Technical Specification Language

Northeast Recycling Council Model Toner Specifications

International Imaging Council – Standardized Test Methods Committee (STMC) – toner cartridge guidance

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Remanufactured Toner Cartridges resource and contract