Are there risks or problems I should be aware of using refilled laser toner cartridges?

Question

What are the possible risks associated with refilling and/or using refilled laser printer toner cartridges? How can I mitigate them?

Answer 1

There are several risks for refilling toner cartridges.

Common problems can include:

1. Insufficient lubricant in the toner, leading to drum, developer unit or cleaning blade damage.
2. Wrong melting point, leading to fouling in the fusing unit, print rubbing off, etc.
3. Wrong electrostatic properties or particle size, leading to a dirty machine and poor quality print.
4. Large amounts of loose toner in the machine can also cause fouling and damage to the mechanisms, and air filters can become clogged, causing overheating

As a fine powder, toner can remain suspended in the air for some period, and is considered to have health effects comparable to inert dust. It can be an irritant to people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.

Toner powder is not toxic but does need to be handled with care, as carbon black (one of its components) has been designated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible carcinogen. Health and safety regulations must be considered when handling, transporting and storing toner powders.

Safety precautions include the use of gloves, and a protective dust mask to prevent inhalation. If spilled toner is cleaned with a standard vacuum cleaner it may become electrically charged and catch fire, and it is so fine that it passes through filters and can escape into the room or the vacuum cleaner motor.

If you have an issue from using a refilled toner (or ink) cartridge which causes your printer to malfunction, you might be out of luck, as you probably voided your printer's warranty. It comes down to cost versus risk. You might save a lot of money with toner refills, but if the off-brand toner damages your printer, how much will it cost to fix or replace? There is no definite answer as to whether or not it is worth the risk, as it is purely a matter of opinion, unique to your equipment and usage.