Skip to main content
Are you seeing the 'Replace Waste Toner Container' message on your printer and wondering if it's time for a technician? Do you have documents waiting in the queue or employees relying on the copier?
Fortunately, replacing the waste toner container on a Xerox AltaLink B8100/C8100 Series copier is pretty simple. However, you need to be careful to remove the full container so it doesn’t tip and spill loose toner inside the machine or around your office.
The waste toner container collects excess toner that is removed during normal printing. Once the container reaches capacity, the copier alerts you that it needs to be replaced. Continuing to use a full container can lead to toner overflow, internal buildup, or the machine stopping until a replacement is installed.
The waste toner container collects excess toner during printing. When it gets full, the copier will alert you to replace it. Continuing to use a full container can cause it to overflow or even shut down the machine.
We’ve serviced thousands of printers and copiers and handled this exact maintenance issue thousands of times.
In this guide, our expert printer technician Matthew from The Printing Workshop will show you how to replace the waste toner container on a Xerox AltaLink B8100/C8100 Series copier.
By the end of this article, you will know when the container needs replacement, where to find it, how to remove it without spilling toner, and how to install the new container correctly.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Waste Toner Container?
- When Should You Replace the Waste Toner Container?
- How to Replace the Waste Toner Container
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Quick Recap
- FAQ
- Why Correct Installation Matters
Short Answer: Xerox AltaLink B8100/C8100 Waste Toner Replacement
To replace the waste toner container on a Xerox AltaLink B8100, open the front cover, locate the R5 container in the lower-right corner, pull it out using the orange handles, keep it level, install the replacement, and slide it in until it clicks.
What Is a Waste Toner Container?
A waste toner container collects toner that is not transferred onto the page during printing. The copier directs this leftover toner into the container so it doesn’t build up elsewhere inside the machine.
The waste toner container is different from the toner cartridge. A toner cartridge supplies toner for printing, while the waste toner container stores the excess toner removed during the imaging process.
Because the container has a limited capacity, it eventually fills and must be replaced.
When Should You Replace the Waste Toner Container?
You should replace the waste toner container when your Xerox AltaLink B8100/C8100 displays a message indicating that the container is full or needs replacement.
The copier monitors the container and typically provides a warning before printing stops. It is best to replace the container when prompted rather than waiting for the machine to stop completely.
You may see:
- A waste toner container warning on the touchscreen
- A message telling you to replace the R5 container
- A maintenance alert through connected printer software
- Print jobs pausing until the container is changed
Replacing the container promptly helps prevent toner from overflowing and keeps the copier available for employees who rely on it.
How Do You Replace the Waste Toner Container on a Xerox AltaLink B8100?
To replace the waste toner container, open the front cover, remove the R5 container while keeping it level, insert the new container, and push it into place until it clicks.
Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Open the Front Cover
Begin by opening the front cover of the Xerox AltaLink B8100/C8100.
The waste toner container is located in the lower-right corner of the compartment. Xerox identifies this component as R5.
Step 2: Pull Out the R5 Waste Toner Assembly
Grab the orange handle and pull the assembly straight out toward you.
Avoid pulling at an angle. The assembly should move outward smoothly without excessive force.
Once it is extended, you will see another orange handle on top of the waste toner container.
Step 3: Remove the Waste Toner Container Carefully
Grab the upper orange handle and lift the container from the assembly.
Keep the container level as you remove it. The container holds loose toner and has a small opening where waste toner enters. Tilting or leaning it can allow toner powder to spill.
To prevent a mess:
- Support the container securely.
- Keep it upright and level.
- Do not shake or turn it sideways.
- Place it on a flat, protected surface after removal.
Step 4: Install the New Waste Toner Container
Position the new waste toner container in the same direction as the one you removed.
Insert it into the assembly and make sure it sits properly in place. The container should fit without being forced.
If it does not sit correctly, remove it and check the alignment before trying again.
Step 5: Slide the Assembly Back Into the Copier
Once the new container is positioned, slide the assembly straight back into the machine.
Continue pushing until you hear or feel it click securely into place.
The click confirms that the assembly is properly seated and ready for operation.
Step 6: Close the Front Cover
Close the front cover of the copier.
The Xerox AltaLink B8100/C8100 Series printer should recognize the replacement container and clear the maintenance message. You should then be able to continue printing normally.
Common Waste Toner Replacement Mistakes to Avoid
Tilting the Full Container
The most common mistake is tipping the used container during removal. Because it holds loose toner, even a slight tilt can create a difficult mess.
Pulling the Assembly at an Angle
Pull the R5 assembly straight outward. Twisting or pulling unevenly can make removal more difficult.
Forcing the Replacement Container
The new container should fit into position smoothly. If it does not, check its orientation instead of forcing it.
Failing to Push the Assembly In Completely
Make sure the assembly clicks into place. If it is not fully seated, the copier may continue displaying an error or replacement message.
Quick Recap
- Open the front cover.
- Locate the R5 waste toner container.
- Pull the assembly straight out using the orange handle.
- Remove the container using the upper handle.
- Keep the full container level to prevent spills.
- Insert the replacement container.
- Slide the assembly back in until it clicks.
- Close the front cover.
FAQ
What does the waste toner container do?
The waste toner container stores excess toner removed during the printing process. It keeps unused toner from accumulating elsewhere inside the copier.
Where is the waste toner container on the Xerox AltaLink B8100/C8100?
The waste toner container is located behind the front cover in the lower-right corner. It is labeled R5 and has an orange handle.
Can I continue printing with a full waste toner container?
The copier may eventually stop printing until the full container is replaced. Replacing it when prompted helps prevent interruptions and toner overflow.
Why must I keep the container level?
The container holds loose toner powder. Keeping it level prevents toner from escaping through the waste toner opening.
Do I need tools to replace the waste toner container?
No. The container is designed for user replacement and can be removed using the orange handles.
Correct Waste Toner Replacement Helps Prevent Messes and Downtime
Replacing the waste toner container correctly helps protect the inside of your Xerox AltaLink B8100/C8100 Series printer from loose toner and allows the machine to return to service quickly.
The most important step is keeping the full container level during removal. You should also make sure the replacement container is seated properly and that the assembly clicks securely into place. Correct installation can prevent spills, recurring alerts, and unnecessary service interruptions.
For more Xerox tutorials, quick repairs, and printer maintenance tips, subscribe to The Printing Workshop on YouTube.
Subscribe today for practical guidance from technicians who work on Xerox equipment every day.
