Collection and Recycling of Ink Cartridge and Others
Ink Cartridge Recycling
Initiatives in Japan
Canon led the industry to launch a recycling program for ink cartridges in Japan in 1996. We have subsequently placed particular emphasis on advancing our materials recycling, whereby collected ink cartridges are reused as materials for new ink cartridges, pallets for stacking products, boxes for collecting service parts and other applications.
In addition, we have focused on recovery for recycling of ink cartridges through collection points at post offices, mass retailers, companies that use Canon products, schools and other locations.
We recovered 153 tons* in Japan through these activities in 2010, about the same amount as in the previous year.
- *Figures for recovered ink cartridges include cartridges for large-format printers, compact photo printers and other such products.
The Ink Cartridge Satogaeri* (Homecoming) Project
To boost ink cartridge collection rates, it has been necessary for Canon to supplement its own collection points with common collection points in cooperation with other printer manufacturers.
Canon took the initiative in approaching five other companies to launch the joint "Ink Cartridge Satogaeri* (Homecoming) Project" in 2007. Joint collection commenced in April 2008 through common collection boxes for the six companies installed in more than 3,600 post offices throughout Japan. This project has brought greater convenience to customers, and boosted the collection rate.
The collected cartridges are sent by Yu-Pack parcel mailing service to a sorting site, where they are divided by printer manufacturer and returned to their original producer, which bears the responsibility for recycling. In recognition of these efforts, Canon received the Chairman's Award (for excellence) at the 2009 Eco Products Awards.
In July 2009, Kitakyushu City Office and ward offices in that city became the first government offices to act as collection points. Afterwards, a number of other local governments announced their participation, steadily expanding the collection activities. As of February 2011, 80 local governments were participating, with the number of collection points reaching about 1,000.
- *"Satogaeri" can be translated as "homecoming" in English
Ink cartridge collection boxes have been installed at post offices and other facilities.
Contributing to biodiversity preservation through the Ink Cartridge Satogaeri (Homecoming) Project
The Ink Cartridge Satogaeri (Homecoming) Project sponsored a booth at the Interactive Fair for Biodiversity, held concurrently with the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP10) in Nagoya in October 2010.
More than a hundred thousand visitors attended the event, with many of them coming to the Project booth. Some of the visitors even brought along used cartridges, demonstrating what a splendid opportunity this was to improve awareness of the Project's activities.
Contributions to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) were initiated in 2010 as a new facet of the Project. A presentation ceremony was held at COP10, at which the UNEP representative received a check for ¥2 million* representing the first half year's donations.
UNEP activities include grappling with problems such as global warming/climate change, the biodiversity crisis, and the efficient use of resources. By supporting UNEP activities, including forest protection and biodiversity conservation, through donations, the Project seeks to attain a higher level of social significance and take a more active approach in global environmental protection.
- *The total for the year was about ¥4.3 million
Donation presentation ceremony
Exhibiting at the COP10 Interactive Fair for Biodiversity
Bellmark Foundation's Educational Support Activities
Since 2005, Canon has conducted ink and toner cartridge collection activities at schools. Through these measures, we cooperate with Bellmark Foundation's educational support activities, promote environmental protection and education, and contribute local communities. During the five years since the inauguration of collaboration with Bellmark Foundation, the number of schools participating has risen steadily, reaching 14,000 by May 31, 2011.
Booklet introducing the Bellmark Foundation's educational support activities
Initiatives outside Japan
Canon has also recycled ink cartridges outside Japan since 1998. Collected cartridges are reused through materials recycling and other means to eliminate waste generation.
As of May 2011, countries and regions in which collection and recycling were launched in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and India.
In order to promote global environmental protection and effective use of resources, we plan aggressive expansion of the number of countries covered by these initiatives.
Collection points vary by country, but boxes have been established in mass retail and other cooperating outlets, shopping malls, companies, schools, stations, and Canon service centers and showrooms. Ink cartridges can also be returned to Canon by mail, ensuring that the methodology of the campaign is considerate of customer convenience.
Collection boxes in China
Collection boxes in Australia
Collection boxes in Singapore
Collection and Recycling of Small Secondary Batteries (Japan)
Small secondary rechargeable batteries are used in many Canon products, such as digital cameras and video recorders.
According to the Law for the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources (Revised Recycling Law) of Japan, enacted in 2001, manufacturers of batteries or equipment utilizing batteries are required to collect and recycle used small secondary batteries.
Canon has joined Japan Portable Rechargeable Battery Recycling Center (JBRC), Ltd., a general incorporated association, to cooperate in the industry's efforts to promote battery collection and recycling. Customers are also prompted to visit our website as a way to improve collection rates.
Recycling Containers and Packaging Materials (Japan)
In accordance with relevant laws and ordinances, Canon provides appropriate labeling on containers and packaging materials that encourages customers to engage in separation and hence facilitate recycling.
Canon has joined the Japan Containers and Packaging Recycling Association, a public interest incorporated association, for cooperation in the recycling of these items.
The Company also works to minimize container volume to reduce the volume of discarded containers and packaging materials.
