Printer ink is a liquid pigment that’s used in inkjet printers. It is best used for printing vibrant photos and low-volume documents. Printer toner is a dry, plastic powder that’s used in laser printers. Printer toner allows for sharper text, higher printing speeds and a much lower cost-per-page for high-volume office printing. Ink is sprayed onto the paper, while toner is heated inside the printer and rolled onto the paper.

No, you cannot use any ink or toner cartridge in your printer. Cartridges are model-specific and using the wrong ones can create problems with your printer. You must purchase cartridges that match the brand and model of your printer, so everything runs smoothly. If you’re not sure which type of ink is best for you, our Ink and Toner Finder helps you find the right cartridge to avoid compatibility issues. We have supplies from trusted brands like Brother, Canon, Epson and many more.

When you’re storing extra ink or toner cartridges, keep them in their packaging at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Store ink cartridges upright to prevent air bubbles and leaking. Toner cartridges should be stored horizontally to ensure the powder doesn’t settle on one side. They can be stored in an office desk, storage cabinet or storage container.

You can refill your toner cartridge using compatible toner reload kits rather than replacing the entire cartridge. Refilling can help you save money compared to buying new cartridges, but it takes longer to refill. The process can involve locating a filling hole, emptying excess toner and replacing it with new toner powder. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully when refilling your toner.

Yes, you can recycle your used ink and toner cartridges. Keeping them out of landfills is highly recommended because they contain plastics, metals and residual ink that can take years to break down. You can dispose of your old cartridges at one of our Staples locations with free in-store recycling while you pick up your new cartridge or refills.