Council launches new ink cartridge recycling scheme
28 November 2025
Derry City and Strabane District Council has launched a new recycling initiative to benefit households throughout the Derry and Strabane area.
The recycling scheme will be delivered in partnership with Harvard Manufacturing Limited, who are encouraging people to return their used printer ink cartridges to their local Recycling Centre.
The launch took place during the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) a time to raise awareness across Europe and particularly locally about sustainable resource and waste management.
For each reusable printer cartridge received, Harvard will donate to their charity partner Concern Worldwide. Over the past twenty years Harvard Manufacturing Limited has raised over £100,000 for Concern worldwide through ink recycling programmes.
Bins will be provided in each Recycling Centre for householders to drop off their used cartridges. Used printer inks should not be placed in normal household waste as they contain electronic components.
Council’s Waste and Recycling Officer, Julie Hannaway, said: "We are delighted to launch this new initiative with Harvard Manufacturing, which gives households a simple and environmentally responsible way to deal with used printer cartridges. By returning small household inkjet cartridges to our Recycling Centres, residents are not only preventing electronic waste from going to landfill but also helping to support the important work of Concern Worldwide.
“We want to remind people that this scheme applies only to domestic inkjet cartridges. Larger laser toner cartridges commonly used in businesses should continue to be returned to their original manufacturer for recycling. All household printer ink cartridges can now be brought to any of our Household Recycling Centres free of charge, making it easier than ever to recycle responsibly.”