Xerox Takes Another Step Toward Zero Waste

Xerox Corporation launched today a new return and recycling program that simplifies the way customers return toner and supplies and expands the company’s effort to keep billions of pounds of waste out of landfills.

Xerox is partnering with Close the Loop, one of the world’s largest recyclers of imaging supplies that specializes in cartridge returns. Close the Loop will collect customers’ returns and manage the recycling on behalf of Xerox using a patented material separation process that recovers used materials for reuse in new printer cartridges and other products.

Similar to Xerox’s popular Eco Box program in Europe, customers in the United States will place used supplies into a collection box. When the box is full, customers simply print a free-of-charge shipping label and send the box to Close the Loop. Instructions are printed on the boxes, which are available in the United States starting today. Customers can order the boxes through the redesigned return and recycling website, www.xerox.com/gwa. The website also includes instructions and provides several features that make choosing and using a returns process more convenient, including bundling returns together and other options.

This new effort is an extension of Xerox’s pioneering Green World Alliance program, an initiative launched in 1999 that established the company as a global leader in waste reduction and environmental stewardship. “During the past 12 years, our collaboration with customers has kept more than 143 million pounds of cartridges, bottles, and waste toner out of landfills,” said Patricia Calkins, vice president, Sustainability, Environment, Health & Safety. “As we continue to make it easier for customers to participate in our remanufacturing, reuse and recycling efforts, we get closer and closer to our ultimate goal of zero waste.”

“Close the Loop also is working towards zero waste,” said Jim Tocash, company president. The company returns cartridge component parts to the marketplace as useable raw materials so nothing goes to the landfill. “Xerox is on the forefront of zero waste initiatives – and was there long before it was popular,” Tocash said. “Our role at Close the Loop is to make the returns process that much simpler so more customers join in on the effort. Working together with Xerox we push the goal of zero waste forward to minimize our impact on the environment.”