Introduction
Did you know that your empty printer ink cartridges could be worth real money?
Millions of ink cartridges are tossed into the trash every year, contributing to environmental waste — but for the savvy, eco-conscious seller, this is an opportunity. Whether you're an individual looking to earn passive income or a small business with surplus cartridges, selling used printer ink cartridges online is a practical and surprisingly profitable side hustle.
In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to make money selling used ink cartridges online, including where to sell them, how much you can earn, and how to scale your efforts. No technical skills, warehouse, or large capital investment required.
Why Sell Used Printer Ink Cartridges?
Before diving into the "how," let’s understand the “why.” Here are some key reasons this side hustle is worth your time:
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✅ Eco-friendly: Helps reduce landfill waste and promotes recycling.
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✅ Low entry barrier: You probably already have used cartridges at home or work.
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✅ Steady demand: Businesses, schools, and resellers buy them in bulk.
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✅ Recurring source: Ink cartridges are consumables—people constantly need them.
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✅ Passive potential: Once set up, you can build a small recurring income stream.
What Types of Cartridges Can Be Sold?
Not all cartridges are created equal. Here are the common types with good resale value:
| Cartridge Type | Description | Sellable? |
|---|---|---|
| OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) | From brands like HP, Canon, Epson | ✅ High demand |
| Remanufactured | Refilled and cleaned OEM cartridges | ✅ Some platforms accept |
| Compatible (Third-party) | Not from the original brand | ⚠️ Less demand |
| Toner Cartridges | For laser printers | ✅ Higher resale value |
Step-by-Step: How to Sell Used Ink Cartridges Online
Step 1: Collect Your Cartridges
Start by gathering used cartridges from:
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Your home printer
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Offices or coworking spaces
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Friends, family, or neighbors
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Local schools or non-profits (often willing to donate)
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Facebook groups or Craigslist “Free” sections
Keep cartridges in good condition (not leaking or damaged) and store them in a cool, dry place.
Step 2: Check the Cartridge Model and Condition
Use the label on the cartridge to note:
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Brand (e.g., HP 63XL, Canon PG-245)
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Model number
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Ink level (if applicable)
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Physical condition (no cracks or dried ink)
Pro tip: New/sealed cartridges fetch a much higher price, but many platforms also accept empty ones for refurbishing.
Step 3: Choose Where to Sell
Here are the best platforms to sell used printer ink cartridges online:
1. eBay
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Pros: Wide audience, easy to list in bulk
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Cons: Need to manage shipping, customer questions
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Best For: Sealed OEM and in-demand models
๐ง SEO tip: Use keywords like “genuine HP 64XL empty cartridge” in your listing.
2. SellYourInk.com
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Focuses on OEM and remanufactured cartridges
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Offers instant quotes for your model
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Pays via PayPal or check
3. eCycle Group
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Bulk selling platform for individuals and businesses
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Offers prepaid shipping labels for larger shipments
4. CartridgeBuyBack.com
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Accepts both new and empty cartridges
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Bulk buyback rates with free shipping over a certain value
5. Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist
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Sell locally to avoid shipping
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Great for unopened or lightly used cartridges
Step 4: Get a Free Shipping Label (When Offered)
Many buyback programs offer prepaid shipping once your cartridge total reaches a minimum value (usually $20–$30).
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Use padded envelopes or small boxes
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Add bubble wrap to prevent ink leakage
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Include any required order slips or packing forms
Step 5: Get Paid
Each platform pays differently:
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๐ฐ PayPal – Fastest, often preferred
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๐ณ Check by mail – Takes longer, but still reliable
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๐ณ Store credit or donation – Some platforms offer charity support instead of cash
How Much Money Can You Make?
| Cartridge Type | Average Payout (Each) |
|---|---|
| HP 64XL (OEM) | $4 – $10 |
| Canon PG-245 | $3 – $7 |
| Epson 220XL | $2 – $5 |
| Sealed Toner Cartridge | $10 – $25+ |
If you scale this up and form partnerships with small offices or schools, you can double or triple that number.
How to Scale It Into a Mini Business
Want to go beyond casual side hustle? Here’s how to turn it into a small income-generating operation:
✅ Partner with Offices
Offer to “dispose of” their cartridges for free. They save time, you earn money.
✅ Create a Collection Box Program
Provide labeled boxes to schools or libraries and pick them up monthly.
✅ Offer a Pickup Service Locally
List your cartridge pickup service on local Facebook groups or Nextdoor.
✅ Sell in Bulk to B2B Buyers
Once you gather 50+ units monthly, approach refurbishing companies directly for better rates.
Tips for Success
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Stay organized: Track models and sale history in a spreadsheet.
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Don’t mix brands: Separate HP, Canon, Epson, etc. before shipping.
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Avoid expired or leaking cartridges: These are often rejected.
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Watch shipping cost: Only use prepaid labels or low-cost mailing options.
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Check market demand: Some cartridges have little resale value.
Is Selling Used Ink Cartridges Legal and Ethical?
Yes, absolutely. As long as you're not selling counterfeit or stolen products, reselling empty cartridges is legal and encouraged from a sustainability perspective.
Refurbishing companies rely on sellers like you to collect and send in cartridges they can refill or recycle.
Alternatives to Selling (If You Can’t Find Buyers)
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Donate to charities: Some schools and NGOs accept them for fundraising.
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Recycle for points: Staples and Office Depot offer store credits.
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Turn into art: Etsy has a surprising market for “tech art” using cartridge components.
Conclusion
Selling used printer ink cartridges online is one of the most overlooked, eco-friendly, and profitable micro-hustles you can start today. With minimal time investment and virtually no upfront cost, it’s an ideal income stream for students, stay-at-home parents, and anyone looking to declutter while making extra money.
Ready to Get Started?
✔️ Go collect your empty cartridges
✔️ Choose your favorite platform
✔️ Ship them out and watch the cash flow in
You’ll never throw another ink cartridge away again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I sell third-party ink cartridges?
A: Some platforms accept them, but they usually pay less and have stricter conditions.
Q: What if the cartridge is half-full?
A: Many buyers prefer sealed or empty ones. Partial cartridges may not have consistent pricing.
Q: Do I need to clean them before shipping?
A: No cleaning needed. Just ensure they’re not leaking or damaged.