On February 1, 2009, Staples will become the first US retailer to offer a comprehensive ink and toner recycling program that rewards customers for recycling any brand or type of cartridge, regardless of manufacturer.
Staples, already a leading ink and toner retailer, will now allow customers to earn $3 back in Staples Rewards on any brand or type of ink or toner just for choosing to recycle these products instead of throwing them away. In 2008, the company recycled more than 22 million ink and toner cartridges. With this program expansion, Staples expects to recycle more than 30 million cartridges in 2009 and become the world’s largest ink and toner recycler.
Recent studies have shown that 70% of cartridges used worldwide are thrown away and almost eight cartridges are discarded per second in the
This expanded recycling program will make it even easier for customers to recycle their ink and toner cartridges while providing new ways to save money and be more eco-friendly. Customers can bring empty cartridges to any Staples store, each of which will earn them $3 back in Staples Rewards or Staples Teacher Rewards, on up to 10 cartridges per calendar month. Ink and toner recycling Staples Rewards are sent monthly and can be used on any Staples purchase in store, online or over the phone.
“The emergence of user-friendly ink and toner recycling programs like the one Staples is offering is an important step in helping Americans make more environmentally-friendly choices in their daily lives by keeping valuable products and materials out of the waste stream,” said Matt Hale, Director of the Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery of U.S. EPA.
“When it comes to ink and toner sales and recycling, Staples is the easy choice. Not only do we provide great value, but we can also reward customers for their support for the environment,” said Scott Rankin, VP/DMM of technology merchandising, Staples. “Always a strong supporter of environmental conservation through sustainable business practices, Staples continues to make it even easier for our customers to make a difference – what we call EcoEasy.”
Staples’ current recycling programs, part of its EcoEasy commitment, also include cell phones, PDAs, computers and office technology. In 2008, in addition to recycling more than 22 million ink and toner cartridges, the company also recycled approximately 4 million pounds of electronic waste. Staples also opened its first two stores registered with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability, and this month, achieved LEED Gold certification for its