Los Angeles bans single-use printer cartridges

Reference TimelineLast updated FEB 22
SUMMARY

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to ban the sale of single-use printer cartridges within city limits on February 17, 2026, targeting ink or toner modules that cannot be refilled or lack a vendor take-back program. As of February 17, 2026, the ban is expected to be implemented at least a year from now. Councilmember John Lee stated it is a "bold step... to address the challenges posed by plastic waste." The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) had previously submitted comments in August 2025, proposing changes to the definition and requesting an extended implementation period.

Timeline

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February 2026 — 1 developments

  1. The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance to ban the sale of single-use printer cartridges within city limits.

    The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance to ban the sale of single-use printer cartridges within city limits. This ban targets ink or toner modules that cannot be refilled or lack a vendor take-back program, aiming to reduce plastic waste. Councilmember John Lee stated it is a 'bold step... to address the challenges posed by plastic waste,' and the ordinance is expected to be implemented at least a year from now.

January 2026 — 2 developments

  1. Further reports clarify the scope of the proposed ban, emphasizing that it will apply to ink or toner modules that cannot be refilled or lack a vendor take-back program.

    Further reports clarify the scope of the proposed ban, emphasizing that it will apply to ink or toner modules that cannot be refilled or lack a vendor take-back program.

  2. News outlets begin reporting on the City Council's advanced plans for the ban, detailing its environmental motivations and the types of cartridges targeted.

    News outlets begin reporting on the City Council's advanced plans for the ban, detailing its environmental motivations and the types of cartridges targeted.

December 2025 — 1 developments

  1. On December 10, 2025, the Los Angeles City Council tasked LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) with…

    On December 10, 2025, the Los Angeles City Council tasked LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) with developing a comprehensive public outreach and education plan, including a survey, for the proposed ban on single-use printer cartridges.

August 2025 — 1 developments

  1. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) submitted comments in August 2025, proposing changes to cl…

    The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) submitted comments in August 2025, proposing changes to clarify the definition of 'single-use printer cartridge' and requesting an extended implementation period. Additionally, a public comment was submitted in December 2025 urging the Los Angeles City Council to pass the ordinance, citing personal experiences with generic cartridges.

January 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Catalonia, Spain, implements a broader waste law that includes a cartridge ban, potentially influencing Los Angeles' approach to similar environmental regulations.

    Catalonia, Spain, implements a broader waste law that includes a cartridge ban, potentially influencing Los Angeles' approach to similar environmental regulations.