Los Angeles Bans Single-Use Printer Cartridges

New law aims to reduce waste and promote sustainable printing practices.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:15pm

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The city of Los Angeles has passed a new law banning the sale of single-use printer cartridges that cannot be refilled or recycled. The move is an effort to address the environmental impact of disposable cartridges, which are difficult to properly dispose of due to their composition of plastic, metal, and chemicals.

Why it matters

Printer cartridges are a significant source of waste, with millions ending up in landfills each year where they can take centuries to decompose. This new law in Los Angeles is part of a growing trend of cities and states taking action to reduce single-use plastics and promote more sustainable product design.

The details

Under the new law, retailers in Los Angeles will no longer be allowed to sell printer cartridges that are not reusable or recyclable. The goal is to push printer manufacturers to design cartridges that can be refilled or have their components easily separated and reused. Violators of the law will face fines and other penalties.

  • The new law was passed by the Los Angeles City Council on January 25, 2026.
  • The ban on single-use printer cartridges will go into effect on July 1, 2026.

The players

Los Angeles City Council

The legislative body of the city of Los Angeles that passed the new law banning single-use printer cartridges.

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What they’re saying

“We must take bold action to address the growing problem of printer cartridge waste. This ban will push manufacturers to redesign their products to be more sustainable.”

— Councilmember Maria Estrada, Chair, Environment Committee (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The city will work with retailers and printer manufacturers over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition to the new requirements before the ban takes effect.

The takeaway

Los Angeles' ban on single-use printer cartridges is the latest example of a city taking concrete steps to reduce waste and promote more sustainable product design. This law could serve as a model for other municipalities looking to address the environmental impact of disposable consumer electronics.