A method for cleaning waste toner from an image forming apparatus is provided wherein the toner can be cleaned externally, repackaged and returned to the image forming apparatus like new. The toner is removed from the image forming device by means of normal waste containers. In a separate location apart from the image forming apparatus, the toner waste is removed by vacuum and passed through various cleaning stages to remove non toner products. The toner is passed directly to a toner filling device which is used to repackage the toner into original toner containers. This method reduces total cost of toner supplies since waste toner can be reclaimed. Also the method allows for a cleaner environment since the toner and packaging waste is not sent to landfills.