Reusable Toner Cartridges: Building a practical pathway from disposable printing to reuse
- On 2026/1/28
We have added a new circular project “Reusable Toner Cartridges” in our database.
The Reusable Toner Cartridges is a long-running initiative by Hara Trading Co., Ltd., based in Kanagawa Ward, Yokohama, that offers a concrete alternative to disposable office printing supplies. Since 1994, the company has been collecting spent genuine toner cartridges, carefully inspecting and disassembling them, replacing only necessary components, and refilling them for repeated use.
This approach reduces plastic waste and CO₂ emissions by minimizing the amount of material discarded and avoiding the need to manufacture entirely new cartridges. Quality and trust are central to the project: some cartridges meet internationally recognized standards such as the E&Q Mark and STMC certification, and the company also contributes to industry training and knowledge-sharing.
Beyond manufacturing, the project connects circularity to everyday work environments, education, and local employment—supporting schools, promoting low-impact printing, and creating roles for senior workers. It shows how reuse can be quietly integrated into daily life in Yokohama.
https://circular.yokohama/en/projects/remanufactured-toner-cartridges/ 
室井梨那（Rina Muroi）
