PIXMA G7020 waste bin full

[SamCuritiba]

My printer stopped printing today and the only message I received was a brief notice on the status bar:

The printer's waste bin is full

I have spent two hours trying to find any info in the online Canon Inkjet Manual, called Best Buy (where I purchased the printer) where the only guy working didn't know anything, and also unsuccessfully tried to find any info on this site under the top of page menu labeled "Discussions & Help/Printer."

There are a number of pretty specific instructions on how to remove and clean out the waste for other inkjet printers (HP, for example).  Yahoo has started to head every list of related sites with their AI summary, which also is something I could follow but the AI response is not specific to any inkjet printer.  Comparing the AI instructions to empty the waste bin to the HP directions for the same task is almost parallel.  Can I trust the instructions given for the HP inkjet printer as copied and pasted below?   I appreciate any advice, especially if you have a source for the G7020 toner waste bin removal and emptying.   THANK YOU!    Sam

Waste Toner Container:

• The M277dw has a built-in waste toner container (sometimes referred to as a waste toner hopper) that collects excess toner during printing. This is located inside the printer and isn't as easily accessible as external waste toner boxes.

Location:

• To access the waste toner area, you typically need to open the front cover of the printer, remove the toner cartridges, and then remove the imaging drum. The waste toner will be collected in a compartment that is usually positioned below the imaging drum or behind it.

Cleaning the Waste Toner Area:

• Once you locate the waste toner compartment, you can use a soft cloth or a vacuum designed for toner (a specialized vacuum for electronic components) to clean out the excess toner. Avoid using a regular household vacuum as it can release toner dust back into the air.
• After cleaning, replace the imaging drum and toner cartridges, and close the front cover of the printer.

Dealing with Toner Build-Up:

• If you notice large blocks of toner building up on the transfer belt or elsewhere, it's essential to clean them off gently. The transfer belt is a sensitive component, so be cautious when cleaning it to avoid damage.
• If excessive toner build-up continues to be a problem, it could indicate a malfunction with the printer, such as issues with the imaging drum or the toner cartridges themselves.

Note:

In summary, while the HP M277dw doesn’t have a user-replaceable waste toner box, it does have an internal mechanism to collect excess toner. Regular cleaning of the waste toner area is crucial to maintain optimal printer function and prevent excess toner from leaking into other areas of the printer 

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

Greetings , 

The G7020 was released in 2019.  It doesn't have a waste ink bin, it has ink absorber pads.  The pads are not user replaceable.  

You can either send the device in for service or replace it.  

To send the device in for service, register it in your MyCanon account and initiate a repair request.  You'll be given a quote.

Replacement might be a less expensive option.  This time you can choose a model with a replaceable waste ink tank.  

[SamCuritiba]

Thank you, Rick.  I'm an old dinosaur who didn't grow up with personal computers or printers, so I am thankful for younger people with knowledge to give me advice on these community boards.  Unfortunately, the idea of replacement as possibly less expensive than repair service is not welcome, but I bought the Canon 7020 three years ago during the pandemic and it has been exceptional for my needs, even though I've printed fewer than 2,500 pages altogether over three years. That figures to about 14 cents a copy, so I'll probably go back to a less expensive cartridge printer or the local library with a USB stick.  I appreciate you taking the time to let me know my options.  

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

Good morning ,

Depending on your needs, you may want to consider a laser printer for future.  The cost per page is much less than an inkjet and there is no waste "toner" expelled or collected.  

[SamCuritiba · Accepted solution]

And yet again, I salute you and your advice!   Thanks.  Sam