The waste ink absorber is full. It won't print

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

What is the make and model of your printer (I'm guessing it is a Canon?)

Those two are error codes, and they mean the following:

E8 - The waste ink absorber is almost full. Press the OK button to clear the error.
Printing can be done until the waste ink absorber becomes full. If the waste ink absorber becomes full, please contact your local Service Center for replacement of the absorber and machine maintenance.
The waste ink absorber is a part inside the machine, which absorbs ink used in the cleaning operations, etc.

E27 - Manual does not specify what this means, but tells you what you should do: Turn the machine off, and remove the power plug from the outlet. About ten minutes later, plug it in again, and turn the machine on. If the problem is not resolved, the machine may require servicing. Please contact your local Service Center.
You can read more about the error codes on Canon website.

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

Heres a canon link for finding your nearest service centre http://www.canon-europe.com/Support/Consumer_Products/services_locator/index.aspx However, you may want to review the following links - which explain how to do the cleaning yourself
Theres a number of solutions on this link http://www.fixya.com/support/t181480-waste_ink_absorber_canon_ip_1600
This is not your exact model - but maybe useful to watch

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVpjqBr7KjU
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IrBdw7el2E

Theres some instructions on this post on how to clean http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/forums/printer/41279 But Beware of causing any damage

Issue: Alarm / Power light flashes orange 8 times consecutively (Waste Ink Nearly Full Error)
Solution: Press the <RESUME/CANCEL> button to clear the error (1700)
Waste ink absorber error 1700
The printer has a built-in waste ink absorber to hold the ink used during print head cleaning. Eight flashes indicates that this absorber is nearly full.

Press the <RESUME/CANCEL> button on the printer to clear the error, so you can continue the print job. The printer will need to be serviced as soon as possible.

Issue: Alarm / Power light flashes orange 8 times consecutively (Waste Ink Nearly Full Error)
Solution: Press the <RESUME/CANCEL> button to clear the error (1700)
Waste ink absorber error 1700
The printer has a built-in waste ink absorber to hold the ink used during print head cleaning. Eight flashes indicates that this absorber is nearly full.

Press the <RESUME/CANCEL> button on the printer to clear the error, so you can continue the print job. The printer will need to be serviced as soon as possible.

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.

The waste ink absorber is getting full.
Press the OK button to clear the error.
Printing can be done until the waste ink absorber becomes full. If the waste ink absorber becomes full, please contact your local Service Center for replacement of the absorber and machine maintenance.

The waste ink absorber is a part inside the machine, which absorbs ink used in the cleaning operations, etc. http://support-nz.canon.co.nz/contents/NZ/EN/8000137103.html

Inkjet printers have a fibrous pad inside them that collects the waste ink from cleaning the print head. Over time, this pad fills up with ink and can no longer hold any more. When this occurs, the printer indicates a "waste ink full" error.

Replacing the waste ink absorption pads is something an authorized canon service facility can take care of for you.

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.