The 'Cartridges 4 Planet Ark' program has marked its 10th anniversary with the recycling of more than 18 million ink cartridges.
Over the past decade, major manufacturers have worked with Planet Ark and Close the Loop, the program's resource recovery partner, to see the collection, transportation and recycling of 18 million cartridges with zero waste to Australia's landfill.
Cartridges collected have been recycled into items such pens, rulers, and a wood replacement product for park benches, fencing and signs.
Of the 18 million recycled cartridges, 4.2 million were Canon cartridges.
As a participating manufacturer Canon covers the cost of collecting, transporting and recycling its cartridges and promoting the program to workplaces and the public.
In Australia, Canon is involved in several e-waste initiatives including being a founding member of Byteback, a pilot end-of-life take back scheme for IT equipment and also a founding partner of the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI). More recently, Canon officially joined the Australia and New Zealand Recycling Platform (ANZRP), Australia's first not-for-profit, industry-run member body established to collect and recycle electronic waste.
Meantime, HP has renewed its commitment to 'Cartridges 4 Planet Ark' for both consumers and businesses.
Larger businesses that predominantly use HP cartridges are encouraged to contact HP directly on 1300 325 961 to organise their participation in the HP Planet Partners Program with its own collection box which also guarantees zero waste to landfill on all cartridges collected.
"We've been committed to this valuable program since its inception and are thrilled to be part of its success in responsibly recycling millions of cartridges across Australia. We look forward to continuing these environmentally sustainable practices working with Planet Ark," said HP South Pacific business manager, imaging and printing group, Ben Vivoda.
