Toshiba Accelerates its Toner Recycling in 2013

Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. said it recycled nearly 200 tons of used toner products in 2013 and more than doubled the amount of spent imaging consumables it recycled compared with the previous year.

The Irvine, Calif.-based electronics company said in a news release that it partnered with the Australian firm Close the Loop, a recycling firm, as part of its effort.

Toshiba achieved the recycling progress in 2013 through its Zero Waste to Landfill program. Since that program started in 2008, Toshiba has recycled nearly 450 tons of electronic waste.

The company also accepts other manufacturers’ spent toner consumables to aid in consumer recycling.

Close the Loop breaks down spent imaging consumables into component parts, toner, plastic and metal. These components are then recycled. With Close the Loop, Toshiba recycles used toner products into eLumber to create outdoor products as park benches, fences and garden boxes for community organizations and such nonprofits as Habitat for Humanity. Plastic from spent imaging consumables is also used in the making of rulers and pens.