HP Tests Free Return Of Empty Ink-Jet CartridgesHP Tests Free Return Of Empty Ink-Jet Cartridges

Hewlett-Packard expanded its recycling program Wednesday when it unveiled a test program that will bundle postage-paid envelopes with some ink-jet cartridges that customers can use to return their empty consumables.

Starting in December, buyers of the HP 56 black ink and the HP 57 tri-color cartridges will find a postage-page return envelope in the box for mailing empties to HP, which will then process the cartridges to recycle the materials. The cartridges will not be refilled or passed along to ink-jet remanufacturers.

The expansion of HP's Planet Partners recycling program adds ink-jet cartridges to the already-in-place postage-paid return of most HP LaserJet toner cartridges.

HP says it's exploring use of the returned ink-jet cartridges' plastics in its own products, including components for its ScanJet scanner.