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What to Do With Old or Expired Franking Machine Ink Cartridges

Have a drawer full of old or expired franking machine ink cartridges and not sure what to do with them? You’re not alone. Many businesses don’t realise that franking ink cartridges don’t always need to be thrown in the bin — and that there are easy, environmentally responsible ways to dispose of them instead.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what is best to do with used or expired franking ink cartridges, why proper disposal matters, and how Mailcoms can help you recycle them safely and hassle-free.

Can you throw franking ink cartridges in the bin?

Technically yes, there is nothing wrong with throwing your used franking ink cartridges in the bin. However, as with most ink cartridges, when they are thrown in the bin there will still be some ink residue left behind and this is not fantastic news for the environment which is why we always advise that you recycle your used and empty franking ink cartridges with Mailcoms.

♻️ Why Should You Recycle Them Instead?

By recycling your franking ink cartridges in the proper way, you ensure:

  • 🌍 Environmentally responsible disposal of plastic, metal, and ink waste.
  • 🏭 Reduced landfill and lower carbon impact.
  • 🔄 Recovery of reusable parts and materials.

It’s a simple switch that makes a big impact – especially for businesses looking to boost their sustainability credentials.

How Mailcoms makes franking ink cartridge recycling easy

At Mailcoms, we take franking ink cartridge recycling very seriously. That’s why we offer a straightforward environmentally friendly franking ink cartridge refill reset service for almost all used or expired franking machine ink cartridges in the UK. This includes:

  • ✅ Royal Mail approved franking ink cartridges
  • ✅ Mailmark® compatible franking ink cartridges
  • ✅ Used franking ink cartridges from all major brands of franking machine – Pitney Bowes, FP Mailing & Quadient.

How it works:

If you want to start recycling your used ink cartridges properly, you can easily do so via our refill reset service. Simply:

  1. Proceed though to checkout with your desired refill reset ink cartridge product.
  2. Print a copy of your receipt and send your EMPTY ink cartridge to: Units 7-8 Primary Point, Progress Drive, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 0JF.
  3. Use a freepost bag to do this (we will send you one out). If you do not receive/have one, contact Mailcoms and we will send one out to you.
  4. Once we receive your franking ink cartridge, we will test it and if the cartridge can be refilled successfully we will contact you
  5. Your cartridge will be refilled with Royal Mail Approved Mailmark blue ink guaranteed to last an equivalent amount of impressions as when it was new.

Alternatively, if you simply wish to properly dispose of any empty franking ink cartridge, please send them to us in the same way or get in touch with us. We will either dispose of the franking ink cartridge properly or reuse it as part of our refill reset service.

When should you replace your franking ink cartridge?

There are many common signs that it is time to swap your franking ink cartridge. This includes:

  • Faded or uneven printing.
  • “Ink Low” or “Replace Cartridge” messages on your franking machine.
  • Incorrectly or poorly printed Mailmark barcodes.
  • A drop in mail quality or scanning issues.

Even if there’s ink left, an expired cartridge may produce poor results or lead to rejected mail so it is vital that you replace your franking ink cartridge at the right time.

Need a replacement? We’ve got you covered

Whether you need a Royal Mail approved ink cartridge for an original ink cartridge from the manufacturer – we stock them all.

  • ✅ Guaranteed compatible.
  • ✅ Long shelf life.
  • ✅ Free delivery available.
  • ✅ Manufactured to Royal Mail quality standards.

👉 Shop Franking Ink Cartridges now.

Quick Tips for Cartridge Storage & Expiry

To maximise your franking ink cartridge shelf life, there are a few things you can do:

  • Store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
  • Keep the packaging sealed until ready to use.
  • Check the expiry date printed on the label or box.
  • Avoid installing expired cartridges – they can cause print quality issues

In Summary

Properly disposing of old or expired franking machine ink cartridges is the smart, sustainable choice. With Mailcoms, you can do it easily, responsibly, and for free. If you’re ready to recycle or need a fresh supply of Royal Mail approved franking ink cartridges, we’re just a click away.

At Mailcoms, we also offer a range of franking machines. If you are interested in getting a franking machine or wish to upgrade to a Mailmark franking machine with even lower prices available, then please view our franking machine page here or call us today on 01543 572 776.

We are a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of Franking Machines with over 20,000 customers nationwide and we can supply you with our very own range of models.