Won't print. I get a message that waste ink absorber is full. What do I do?

When the printer is not being used, the print-heads slide to their "resting" position,
in order to keep the ink-jets moist, i.e., to NOT dry-out.

Some ink is absorbed into that INK-ABSORBER.

Now, after a few years of usage, that ink-absorber is "full".

Like taking-out the garbage from your kitchen waste-basket when it gets full, and replacing the full waste-basket with an empty waste-basket, it's time to get your printer serviced -- replace the "full" ink-absorber with an "empty" ink-absorber.

Note that CANON printers do not actually "measure" the fullness -- they electronically estimate the fullness, given information about how much you print, and how often you print, and the "density" of the pages that you do print (text is much less dense than colour-photos).

Eight flashes: Waste ink absorber almost full

The printer has a built-in waste ink absorber for the ink used during Print Head cleaning. Eight flashes indicates that the waste ink absorber is nearly full. Press the RESUME/CANCEL button to cancel the error so you can continue printing. Before the waste ink absorber becomes completely full, contact a Canon service representative.

Important

Canon recommends that you call for service as soon as this error occurs. Once the waste ink absorber becomes completely full, printing will no longer be possible

the waste ink absorber cannot be replaced mate. you have to buy new printer.the waste ink absorber is the sponge part where head cleans all its ink. its a common problem in cannon.

Inkjet printer has waste ink absorber inside, sponge alike. The function of waste ink absorber is to localize and keep waste ink safe inside the printer and does not harm the electrical parts.
Waste ink is produced from print head cleaning process and borderless printing. When capacity of the ink absorber raise to about 90% then warning message appears.
You need to bring your printer to the nearest service center to get waste ink absorber replaced.

Source:
Printer Clinic: Printer Tips,tricks,troubleshooting
E-manualshop: Online source of service manual

<Remedy>
1.Waste ink absorber
Use SERVICE MODE>COUNTER>PRINTER>W-INK to check the waste ink
absorber. Replace if the waste ink level is near the limit (14400).
After replacing the tank, perform SERVICE MODE>INITIALIZE>W-INK.

There is an absorbent sponge in the bottom of your waste ink container to help contain the waste ink your printer generates when it cleans the print head nozzles. That sponge is probably full and has triggered a "most informative" error message!

Check your user's manual about the procedure for changing the absorber and where to buy new ones.

Hi ...

This printer has an ink absorber that takes in ink during the printing and print head cleaning processes. The cleaning process is necessary in order to keep the print head nozzles from becoming clogged. Over the life of the printer, the amount of ink that the ink absorber has absorbed is calculated by the printer. Eventually, after substantial use, the printer will enter an error condition when the ink absorber is nearly full. At this point, printing is still possible by pressing the <Resume> button on the printer. To protect the printer from damage, you will not be able to print at all once the ink absorber is full.
Canon recommends having the printer serviced before the absorber becomes full. We are aware that there are many "do-it-yourself" Web sites that offer instructions for making this repair. Replacing the ink absorber is a complicated and potentially messy procedure. Even if the ink absorber is successfully changed, the ink absorber counter must be reset. Be aware that if you attempt this procedure, it is at your own risk.

Please vote if this helps ... Cheers :)

Waste absorber is full. Where is the waste ink absorber and how do I empty it?

http://www.cyber-ink.com/member-canon.html

This is what the manual says: Ink used for cleaning is absorbed in a waste ink absorber placed in the machine. Press [OK] to cancel the error so that you can continue printing. Once the waste ink absorber becomes completely full, printing cannot be done until the waste ink absorber is replaced.
Canon recommends to contact a Canon service representative as soon as possible.