The HP CE285A (85A) and its identical twin, the Canon 725, are among the most popular monochrome toner cartridges in history. They power the ultra-reliable HP LaserJet P1102 and Canon LBP-6030 series. Due to their simple design, these cartridges are perfect for refilling, allowing you to significantly reduce your printing costs.
In this guide, we will show you how to perform a professional refill. However, for the best text clarity and to avoid messy leaks, many users prefer to buy a high-quality ready-to-use replacement cartridge.
Step-by-Step Refill Process
- Opening the Cartridge: First, remove the single screw on the side cover to access the internal components. Our video shows how to slide the halves apart safely at [01:35].
- Cleaning the Waste Toner Bin: Subsequently, it is vital to empty the waste toner section. If you skip this step, the excess powder will eventually leak and cause vertical grey streaks on your paper.
- OPC Drum Inspection: While the cartridge is open, check the green OPC drum for scratches. If you see physical damage, replace the drum to ensure crisp black prints.
- Refilling the Toner: Open the hopper and pour in the specialized monochrome toner powder. Consequently, make sure to clean the magnetic roller to ensure an even distribution of toner.
- Final Reassembly: Finally, slide the two sections back together and secure the side screw. While these printers will usually print with the original chip, replacing it with a new one will restore the toner level indicator.
Recommended Supplies & Replacement Units
To keep your P1102 or LBP-6030 running like new, we suggest these components:
- Premium Replacement (HP): HP CE285A (85A) Genuine Black Toner – The gold standard for reliability and sharp text.
- Canon Equivalent: Canon 725 Black Toner Cartridge – The official cartridge for Canon LBP-6000/6030 series.
- Cleaning Tool: Microfiber Toner Cleaning Cloths – Essential for cleaning the delicate drum and rollers.
- Modern Successor: HP LaserJet M Series – If your old P1102 is finally retiring, here is the modern, compact replacement.
Expert Tip: The Canon-HP Compatibility
One of the best-kept secrets in the industry is that the HP 85A and Canon 725 are interchangeable. Furthermore, if you are refilling for the first time, pay close attention to the doctor blade – keeping it clean will prevent the “faint print” issue common in these models.
Check out our other guides on HP Q7553X Maintenance or Samsung MLT-D1052 Refills.
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