Technological and Sustainable Assessment of Toner Powder Waste Reuse in Pavers for Architectural Applications

Due to its complex recycling process, thousands of laser printer cartridges containing toner powder waste are discarded annually in landfills—an environmentally unsustainable practice. This study presents the chemical, mineralogical, and morphological characterization of toner powder waste and evaluates its potential application in interlocking concrete blocks, commonly known as pavers. The toner powder waste was analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the obtained data, concrete specimens were produced using a 1:2:3 mix ratio (cement:sand:gravel), in which sand was partially replaced by toner powder waste at three different proportions (0%, 3%, and 7%). Technological properties such as water absorption, compressive strength, leaching behavior, and optical microstructure were determined. A 3D architectural simulation was also conducted to assess the visual and practical impact of these materials in various urban scenarios. The results indicate that the inclusion of toner powder waste altered the characteristics of the pavers. The mix with 3% toner powder achieved a compressive strength of 35.73 MPa, demonstrating its viability for paver production and offering a distinct architectural appearance to the blocks. Therefore, this approach represents a sustainable alternative for toner waste disposal and supports environmentally responsible practices in the construction industry.