Environmental Initiatives

Q: Where do I find my manufacturer’s recycling program?

Each manufacturer provides a simple, free mail-back program for used toner cartridges. Select your brand below to get the correct return instructions: Sharp toner recycling, Konica Minolta Clean Planet Program, Lexmark toner recycling, or other brands and local drop-off options.

Q: Do I need the original box or packaging to return the cartridge?

No. You do not need the original packaging to recycle a toner cartridge. Most manufacturer programs provide instructions and a prepaid label or return box. Just make sure the cartridge is wrapped or padded so it does not leak during transit.

MMIT supports environmental initiatives by helping Iowa businesses reduce waste, extend the life of their devices, and recycle used supplies responsibly. These small steps add up, creating a more efficient office and a cleaner environment for the communities we serve.

Environmental Initiatives

MMIT supports environmental initiatives by helping Iowa businesses reduce waste, extend the life of their devices, and recycle used supplies responsibly. These small steps add up, creating a more efficient office and a cleaner environment for the communities we serve.

Environmental Initiatives at MMIT

MMIT helps Iowa businesses reduce waste, use less energy, and make smarter use of their office technology. This page outlines the simple steps we take as a local provider, the sustainability features built into the products we offer, and what you can do with used toner cartridges and consumables. Our goal is to make environmental responsibility easy to understand and easy to act on.

Plant growing within a lightbulb signifying Environmental Initiatives. Green logos surround the lightbulb as it looks like its in a grassy field.

Environmental Initiatives at MMIT

How to Recycle Toner Cartridges

Recycling toner cartridges is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste in your print environment. These cartridges cannot go in regular curbside recycling, but every major manufacturer offers free programs to return and recycle used consumables. The FAQs below explain what to do with empty cartridges and how MMIT can help.

Can toner cartridges go in my regular recycling bin?

No. Toner cartridges cannot go in curbside recycling because they contain mixed plastics, metal parts, and leftover toner powder. Local recycling centers are not able to process them safely. Use the manufacturer’s free recycling program instead.

What should I do with empty toner cartridges?

The best option is to return them through the manufacturer’s recycling program. Sharp, Konica Minolta, and Lexmark all offer free mail-back labels or prepaid boxes.

Where do I find my manufacturer’s recycling program?

Each brand offers a free mail-back program for used toner cartridges. Use the links below to access the correct recycling instructions for your device:

Sharp Toner Recycling
Konica Minolta Clean Planet Program
Lexmark Cartridge Collection Program

Is it okay to throw toner cartridges in the trash?

Not recommended. Cartridges take years to break down in landfills, and leftover toner can leak into the environment. Returning cartridges through a manufacturer program ensures responsible handling and reuse of materials.

Do I need the original box or packaging to return the cartridge?

No. You can ship cartridges back without the original packaging. Most manufacturer programs provide instructions and a prepaid label or return box. Just make sure the cartridge is wrapped or padded so it does not leak during transit.

Sustainable Features in Modern Office Technology

The printers and multifunction devices we offer include tools that help reduce waste, save energy, and support a greener workplace.

Tools That Reduce Paper Waste

Features like automatic duplex printing, secure print release, and digital document routing help teams avoid unnecessary printing and reduce daily paper use.

Energy Efficiency

Modern devices use less electricity without slowing down speed. Features like low-power modes, quick warm-up, and ENERGY STAR certifications help reduce energy use throughout the day.

Longer-Lasting Consumables

High-yield toner options and long-life components reduce how often supplies need to be replaced. This lowers waste and supports a more efficient print environment.

Environmentally Conscious Design

Manufacturers continue to improve energy performance, reduce plastic use, and lower Typical Electricity Consumption (TEC) ratings across their devices.