Cartridges 4 Planet Ark

Date: 04-Jun-18
Author: Josh Cole

It’s World Environment Day so what better time to give you the good news?

We’re proud to announce that toner from printer cartridges collected via our Cartridges 4 Planet Ark (C4PA) recycling program around Australia can now be mixed with soft plastic and stockpiled glass to make a new road surface which is up to 65% more durable than normal asphalt.

The first road using this mix was laid on May 29 on Rayfield Avenue in Craigieburn in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne thanks to Melbourne recycler Close the Loop, in conjunction with Downer. 

This is an example of the real ways in which Aussies can help to cut back on plastic waste, both by dropping plastic bags off in REDcycle bins at Coles and Woolworths, and by recycling their cartridges via a participating retailer. Employers and their staff should also find out if their workplace can join one of the 40,000+ already using a free cartridge collection box.

With C4PA in its 15th year and over 38 million cartridges returned by Australians around the country, there’s never been a better time to fight the war on wasted plastic. 

Another exciting product has been developed by Lousy Ink, Melbourne based artists Mike and Ollie have turned waste ink into art, from used ink cartridges that would've otherwise have gone to waste. The 100% recycled ink is an Australian first. Check this video to see how it is made.

The program would not be possible without the support of our participating manufacturers, Canon, Brother, Epson, HP, Kyocera and Konica Minolta. And our retail collection partners, all Officeworks stores and participating Australia Post, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys and Office National outlets.

Last year was C4PA’s biggest year yet, so to register for a free box at your workplace or to find your nearest retail drop-off location visit cartridges.planetark.org or call 1300 763 768.

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