Toner

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between OEM Toner Cartridges and Compatible or Remanufactured Options?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, so OEM toner cartridges are those that are manufactured by the same company that makes the printer they’re designed for (e.g. toner cartridges made by Brother for Brother printers).

Compatible cartridges are ones that have been manufactured by a third-party company but are designed to work with specific printer types. Remanufactured cartridges are previously used cartridges that are cleaned, refurbished and refilled with new toner - these are also typically provided by third-party manufacturers.

While OEM toner cartridges are often the ideal choice for many, compatible and remanufactured cartridges are a solid alternative - especially if you’re aiming to be more frugal with your spending.

What Should I Do if My Printer Experiences Any Issues with Toner Cartridges?

If you notice your printer encountering any potential issues with the toner cartridges you’re using - whether they’re the OEM toner cartridges or compatible cartridges - it’s best to directly contact the printer manufacturer. They can guide you through troubleshooting, handle warranty issues, or take you through the steps of sending in the printer for repairs or refurbishment.

How Do I Determine Whether I Need a Standard, High-Yield, or Extra High-Yield Toner Cartridge?

The differences between standard, high-yield, and extra high-yield toner cartridges are pretty clear cut, which makes choosing the right one a simple task. 

High-yield and extra high-yield cartridges (sometimes referred to as super high-yield) simply mean that you’re going to get more toner and, by extension, they’ll result in a higher printed page yield. Page yield is a measurement of how many pages of paper you’ll be able to print before needing to replace your toner.

So, the more you print, the more you’ll benefit from higher toner cartridge yields. High-yield is denoted by XL while extra high-yield can be signified by XXL. With toner, extra high-yields can equate to a page yield of several thousand pages per toner cartridge.

Are There Eco-Friendly or Recyclable Toner Cartridge Options Available?

Yes, there are. When viewing the stock of toner cartridges available, keep an eye out for the selection of Q-Image cartridges. They manufacture a broad range of toner cartridges that are compatible with major brands like Brother, HP, Canon, etc.

Most of their toner cartridges are remanufactured - recycled from empty cartridges and refilled with high-grade toner that essentially matches the quality of OEM cartridges. Their extensive range of remanufactured toner cartridges make them a great option if you want to reduce your impact on the environment. 

When the toner cartridge has been fully used up, you can then have it recycled by visiting an applicable recycling centre or returning it to a participating Office Choice store. To confirm your local store is affiliated with a recycling program, it’s best to give them a call.  Proper recycling ensures components get reused rather than ending up in a landfill.

How Should I Store Unopened Toner Cartridges?

If you’ve got a stockpile of unopened toner cartridges, proper storage will help protect them until you’re ready to use them. So, first of all, keep the cartridges sealed in their original packaging as this helps the cartridges stay protected from light, dust, moisture, and static electricity.

Other key practices to follow include the following:

• You should store the toner cartridges in a cool, dry location. Temperatures between 15° and 25° C are ideal, as well as avoiding any excessive humidity. 

• You should also avoid storing them near heaters and air conditioners, and keep them out of direct sunlight or damp areas. Too much heat or moisture can cause the toner powder to clump or leak.

• Be mindful to keep the cartridges away from magnets, electric motors, and static-prone surfaces as magnetism and/or static can impact the toner powder distribution within the cartridge.

• Many toner cartridges are best stored horizontally, but make sure to double-check the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper storage could cause the toner inside the cartridge to settle in an uneven way, which will impact your print quality.

• The final point to remember is the shelf life of your toner cartridge. Most cartridges can have a shelf life of 24 to 36 months when stored properly. If you have multiple cartridges in storage, make sure they’re arranged so that you use the oldest cartridges first.

How Do I Ensure I’ve Selected the Correct Toner Cartridge for My Printer Model?

Here are some simple steps to ensuring you choose the right toner cartridge for your printer:

• Look at the current toner cartridges you have and note the cartridge model number to purchase the corresponding replacements. Be mindful to double-check the information as there can be minor variations in model numbers that could denote a completely different compatible product or printer model.

• Along with viewing the toner cartridge number, note down your printer’s model number and cross-reference it with the toner cartridges you’re looking at. Whether you’re buying an OEM cartridge or compatible/remanufactured option, they’ll include the relevant information on the printer models they’re compatible with.

• You can also refer to your printer’s manual, which will provide you with a list of the cartridges that are compatible with your printer.