Is The Plastic Used For Standard International Cartridges Recyclable?

[leovegoda]

I use cartridges because most of my writing is while mobile and I cannot carry a bottle of ink and a converter around. Plus, the pens I most commonly use are too small for a converter.

 

When I insert a new cartridge I always wonder whether I can put the empty into the recycling or if its plastic is not recyclable. I use cartridges from Private Reserve, Kaweko, Diamene, and Pelikan. They all appear to be the same plastic but I don't know which it is. Does anyone know what plastic is used to make the standard international sized cartridges and whether most recycling systems can cope with it?

Edited September 17, 2017 by leovegoda

[ParramattaPaul]

To be honest, I don't know if it is or not, but I toss the empty cartridges in the recycling bin anyway.

[ParkerDuofold]

Hi Leovegoda, et al,

 

Check the packaging the cartridges came in... see if it has a recycling code on the back, (a single digit number inside a triangle of three arrows).

 

If it is a #3 or a #6; avoid recycling it, because while these plastics can be recycled; the toxins they release during the process are not worth the effort.

 

Here is a breakdown:

 

https://sites.google.com/site/rlmrecycling/home/what-do-the-recycling-numbers-mean

 

 

Be well.

 

 

- Anthony

[leovegoda]

Check the packaging the cartridges came in... see if it has a recycling code on the back, (a single digit number inside a triangle of three arrows).

 

If it is a #3 or a #6; avoid recycling it, because while these plastics can be recycled; the toxins they release during the process are not worth the effort.

 

Thanks. Of the three brands I have to hand, none have markings on to indicate which plastic they are made from. I will check the Kaweco packet on Monday but do not remember anything.

 

It seems that if it is not clearly marked as suitable for recycling it is better to put it into the non-recyclable waste stream. A shame - but I expect someone will invent a way to make money recycling what we send to landfill at some point.

[ParkerDuofold]

Hi Leovegoda, et al,

 

You're welcome.

 

If the packaging has NO RECYCLE CODE; it is NOT recyclable.

 

Yeah, you're correct; just put them in with the general household trash for street pick-up.

 

 

 

Paul, putting non-recyclable plastics in with the recyclables is a "naughty-naughty"... as Kojak used to say... don't do it. . (It just gives the guys at the plant more work, because that all has to be pulled out before they can start the process).

 

Be well all and enjoy life.

 

 

- Anthony

 

EDITED to correct text and typos.

Edited September 17, 2017 by ParkerDuofold

[Astronymus]

Lamy Cartridges are made of PE. That makes them recyclable. Lamy actually puts the recycle sign on them. My guess is that most manufacterers use the same.

[ParkerDuofold]

Lamy Cartridges are made of PE. That makes them recyclable. Lamy actually puts the recycle sign on them. My guess is that most manufacterers use the same.

Hi Astron, et al,

 

Thank you for this... I'm not a cartridge man... I only have a few loose ones floating around, but I checked out the Lamy box online and saw the European recycling symbol - which unfortunately gives NO CLUE what type of plastic is being used.

 

But after scrutinizing the few carts I have here, I would say you're right, that they are definitely High Density Poly Ethylene, (HDPE); which would classify them as a Grade #2 plastic... which are perfectly suited for recycling. I'm surprised so few ink companies seem to carry the logo on their packaging.

 

So, we can all dance in the streets, now.

 

 

 

Paul, take heart; you've been doing the right thing all along.

 

 

Be well all.

 

 

- Anthony

[Fuzzy_Bear]

I don't know how it's done, but why not tell the carts from bottled ink and reseal them.

[Studio97]

Not putting down the value of recycling but those little cartridges might get swept off the sorting line as trash if the person sorting doesnt know what it is. Knowing human nature I could see someone sweeping the rare appearing little cartridges off as being very small inconsequential little pieces of plastic. In the mountains of plastic i dont think they will take the time to find out.

There is great value in recycling as much as we can but i think tossing them will be the reality.

If contained in a baggie and labeled "please recycle" and with the recycle number that might help to assure they get recycled. The sorters need to know.

[Astronymus]

In modern sorting facilities the different materials can be sorted by computers through different physical and optical processes. I heard it's more efficient than any human could do it.

Edited September 17, 2017 by Astron

[leovegoda]

I don't know how it's done, but why not tell the carts from bottled ink and reseal them.

 

I knew that cartridges could be refilled but had not realized that the refilled cartridges could be sealed again. I found this video from FP Physicist showing how to do it but I don't trust myself to do a good enough job. I think I will do two things:

1. I'll write to the companies making the ink cartridges and ask them to label the packaging.
2. I'll put the empties in the recycling channel as it appears they can be successfully sorted and recycled.

Thank you all for your adivce !

[cattar]

consider reusing the cartridges
resealing cartridges works really well
and resealed cartridges travel well in a mint tin

cartridges can a year or more when refilled weekly.
using bottled ink in cheaper than buying cartridges
there are several posters on fpn that do this regularly

fill the cartridge from the bottle with a pipette or a blunt tip art syringe
seal with candle wax or a glue gun

[leovegoda]

Update: Kaweco has written back and confirmed that their cartridges are made from polythene and are recyclable.

[Sasha Royale]

I use cartridges because most of my writing is while mobile and I cannot carry a bottle of ink and a converter around. Plus, the pens I most commonly use are too small for a converter.

 

When I insert a new cartridge I always wonder whether I can put the empty into the recycling or if its plastic is not recyclable. I use cartridges from Private Reserve, Kaweko, Diamene, and Pelikan. They all appear to be the same plastic but I don't know which it is. Does anyone know what plastic is used to make the standard international sized cartridges and whether most recycling systems can cope with it?

Why don't YOU recycle them ? Use them again, and again ! Carry a Vela-mint candy tin to hold the empty cartridges. Line the tin with a layer of paper towel. At your convenience, refill the cartridges with bottle ink (80% full), using a syringe. Without promises to your situation, my refilled cartridges, carried so, do not leak.

[pajaro]

I now refill cartridges. It reuses material, and the cartridges work better than converters in many cases.

[leovegoda]

Why don't YOU recycle them ? Use them again, and again !

 

Because I am clumsy and they will leak.

[Sasha Royale]

 

Because I am clumsy and they will leak.

After 50 years of driving a car, I still bump my head getting in and out. I have stapled my own hand countless times. I have been to the emergency room more than twice, for "bagel cutting" injury.

My friend, I AM CLUMSY, and my cartridges do not leak.

 

I was told that the weight of the column of ink, in a cartridge, is not sufficiently heavy to break the surface tension at the mouth of the cartridge. Throughout college, I used a Parker 45 fountain pen. I carried two or three refilled cartridges in an Altoid mint tin. They did not leak.

 

Respectfully, I encourage you to carry a refilled cartridge, among your new cartridges, in a mint candy tin. (Use a bit of paper towel as padding.) Under controlled conditions, you can test my hypothesis. At least, you can install a refilled cartridge in your pen, and carry unopened ones as spares. .

[chromantic]

^^ Sasha - That makes sense. I've noticed in some cartridge pens when the cartridge is getting low, surface tension holds the remaining ink at the back end of the cartridge and I have to tap the cartridge to release it.

[AoKiu]

http://www.giardino.it/accessori/greatfountain/tappi.php

[txomsy]

That's cool!