The move is helping to address the 18 million cartridges that end up in Australian landfills every year. According to Planet Ark, Australians dispose of more than 18 million used toner cartridges, bottles and print drums every year – that amounts to more than 5000 tonnes of recyclable material ending up in landfills.

Both Australian companies – Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia and Konica Minolta Printing Solutions Asia – are involved in the program, which will see the recovery of materials such as plastics, aluminium, steel and toner powder.

Jon Dee, Planet Ark founders, says, “It is wonderful that Konica Minolta have come on board this landfill prevention programme. By joining in, they are taking ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ to ensure that their product components find a second life instead of ending up in landfill.”

Frank Mellish, Konica Minolta marketing director, says, “It’s vital that organisations like Konica Minolta become involved in recycling and landfill prevention programs of all kinds. We’re pleased to be involved with a high-profile environmental organisation like Planet Ark, as we believe the association will further encourage our customers to recycle and not throw their old cartridges into the garbage bin.”

Stuart Drysdale Konica Minolta Printing Solutions Asia managing director and president, agrees, saying, “The IT industry has been working on credible recycling programs for many years now, and Konica Minolta – as a global leader in imaging technology – is playing its part in helping to recycle some of the most disposable items the industry produces.

“Our involvement with Planet Ark in this most worthy cause demonstrates this commitment to a cleaner, safer planet.”

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