Wirth Consulting

For in-depth print and business-process workflow research and insight

Toshiba Sets Record for Electronic Waste Recycling

by ·

Toshiba America Business Solutions (TABS) reported today that it had recycled a record-setting amount of electronic waste in 2018, and that it has recycled more than 1,229 tons of electronic waste since 2008.

Last year, the company recycled more than 229 metric tons of electronic waste  derived from used toner products. This marks the highest amount of electronic waste the company has recycled in a calendar year.

Since partnering with internationally recognized recycler Close the Loop in 2008, Toshiba says it’s prevented more than 1,229 metric tons – the equivalent weight of 10,712 average-sized professional football players – of electronic waste from hitting landfills.

Through Toshiba’s ecoSmart Toner Recycling program, the company’s spent imaging products are transformed into reusable material via a zero-thermal recovery process. These components are often incorporated within future products thereby contributing to the circular economy.

Toshiba also notes that powder recovered from recycled toner cartridges is a primary element in an asphalt product used to resurface roads. Plastic from spent toner consumables is also used to create pens and rulers.

Close the Loop is a leading global recycler of imaging consumables including inkjet cartridges, laser toner cartridges, drum units, copier bottles, and more. Using state of the art materials separation processes, all cartridges are recycled with zero waste to landfill.

“Fostering and maintaining a sustainable environment in the communities where we live and work is a signature mandate of Toshiba as well as a primary directive for many of our partner and client organizations,” stated Toshiba America Business Solutions President and CEO Scott Maccabe. “While our leadership and workforce are pleased with the success of our recycling program, we strive to continue our commitment and improvement to this vitally important initiative.”

Toshiba’s toner recycling program is a primary reason the company’s award-winning e-STUDIO multifunction printers are listed on the EPEAT(Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool) registry, the definitive global rating system for greener electronics.

More Resources