How do you recycle franking machine ink cartridges?

To recycle your empty franking machine ink cartridges, send them free of charge to Mailcoms for responsible disposal or remanufacture. When you order ink from us we include a FREEPOST returns bag, or you can post your empties to Mailcoms Ltd, Units 7-8 Primary Point, Progress Drive, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 0JF. Mailcoms was the first company in the UK to offer refilling and recycling of franking machine ink cartridges.

Franking machines are a fantastic tool for efficient, professional mail processing, but what happens to all those used ink cartridges? Instead of discarding them, recycling your empty franking machine ink cartridges in the correct way is an easy and impactful way to reduce waste and support eco-friendly practices. In this guide we show you why and how to recycle your empty franking ink cartridges, along with tips on making your mailroom more sustainable.

Why recycle franking machine ink cartridges?

Franking machine ink cartridge cases are made primarily from plastic, a material that can take a long time to break down. By recycling your empty ink cartridges, businesses can reduce the volume of plastic waste going to landfill and help limit environmental impact. Recycling cartridges conserves resources, as it allows the materials to be reused in the production of new cartridges. The recycling process recovers plastic and ink components, reducing the need for raw materials and energy consumption.

Not only this, but by recycling empty franking ink cartridges, businesses participate in a circular economy, where products are reused or remanufactured instead of discarded. Many businesses and stakeholders appreciate eco-friendly practices, and recycling your empty franking ink cartridges is a simple yet effective way to promote sustainability.

Use the Mailcoms recycling programme

Here at Mailcoms, we offer a convenient recycling programme for all empty franking machine ink cartridges. When you order any ink cartridge from us, we will send out a FREEPOST returns bag for you to place your empty ink cartridge in. Alternatively, if you have empties please package them up and send them free of charge to: Mailcoms Ltd, Units 7-8 Primary Point, Progress Drive, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 0JF. By using our environmentally friendly service and recycling your empty franking ink cartridges, we can ensure that each ink cartridge is disposed of responsibly, in accordance with environmental regulations, or we will remanufacture them and reuse them so they are put back into the system.

Another option for businesses is to contact your local recycling facility and find out if they accept used ink cartridges. If you are unable to use a recycling programme, contact a nearby facility to confirm if they handle ink cartridges and how they should be prepared for recycling. Alternatively, contact Mailcoms today to see if we can help.

Which cartridges does Mailcoms accept for recycling?

We accept the following franking machine ink cartridges for recycling:

• FP Mailing Postbase Mini and Postbase series cartridges (excluding Vision and Fusion)
• Quadient (formerly Neopost) IS-280, IS-330, IS-420, IS-440 and IS-480 cartridges
• Quadient (formerly Neopost) IN-300, IN-600 and IN-700 cartridges
• Quadient (formerly Neopost) iX-1, iX-3, iX-5 and iX-7 cartridges

Tips for a greener mailroom

Opt for refillable or remanufactured cartridges

Using a refill reset service or remanufactured cartridges helps reduce waste even further. Our refill reset service will reuse your empty ink cartridge, ensuring you get the same ink cartridge back, costing both you and us less. Remanufactured franking ink cartridges are also refurbished from previously used franking ink cartridges and again offer an eco-friendly option without sacrificing quality.

Bulk order to minimise packaging waste

Buying ink cartridges in bulk not only ensures that you have a steady supply, it also reduces packaging waste. Fewer shipments means fewer materials are used and lower transportation emissions occur.

Educate your team

Encourage your team to follow sustainable practices, such as proper disposal of empty ink cartridges and sorting recyclable materials into the correct bins. A little education goes a long way in making your mailroom greener.

Use eco-friendly mailing supplies

Beyond franking ink cartridges, choosing eco-friendly packaging supplies such as paper bags, cardboard boxes and sugar cane mailing bags will help reduce overall waste. Using eco-friendly supplies will further demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.

Conclusion

Recycling your franking machine ink cartridges is an easy step toward a more sustainable business. By reducing plastic waste, conserving resources and embracing green initiatives, you are not only minimising environmental impact but also strengthening your brand’s commitment to responsible business practices. Join Mailcoms in our recycling efforts and discover more ways to make your mailing process eco-friendly. Together, we can make a positive impact, one cartridge at a time.

At Mailcoms, we can offer a range of franking machines suitable for any daily mail volume. No matter what you are looking for, our team is here to guide you through the decision-making process. If you are interested in getting a franking machine or wish to upgrade to a Mailmark franking machine, please view our franking machine page here or call us today on 01543 572 776. We are a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of postal franking machines since 2008, with over 20,000 customers nationwide, and we can supply you with our very own range of models.

Frequently asked questions

How do I recycle my empty franking ink cartridges? Order ink from Mailcoms and use the FREEPOST returns bag we include, or post your empties free of charge to Mailcoms Ltd, Units 7-8 Primary Point, Progress Drive, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 0JF.

Which franking ink cartridges does Mailcoms accept? We accept FP Mailing Postbase Mini and Postbase series cartridges (excluding Vision and Fusion), and Quadient (formerly Neopost) IS-280, IS-330, IS-420, IS-440, IS-480, IN-300, IN-600, IN-700, iX-1, iX-3, iX-5 and iX-7 cartridges.

Is the recycling service free? Yes. Recycling your empty franking machine ink cartridges with Mailcoms is free of charge.

What happens to the cartridges after I send them back? Each cartridge is either disposed of responsibly in accordance with environmental regulations, or remanufactured and put back into use.