How do i empty waste ink absorber on a canon i9100. it says its full and will not print anything anymore, thanks

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).

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.

It's time to replace 3's WASTE INK ABSORBER KIT & reset waste ink counter.
The WASTE INK ABSORBER KIT is approx. USD10/pcs

Here you go:
http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/forums/printer/46473

This is a very common problems with canon printers. They are set for a certain number of prints and they need the ink absorber serviced. Now along with resetting the printer its best to replace the absorber. Here is link to site that has reset instructions.
http://ij-forum.blogspot.com/2008/08/reset-waste-ink-absorber-error-waste.html
Thanks,
Lee

Ink that leaks out of the ink-cartridge when the print-heads are "parked" is absorbed into the "reservoir" tank. The tank is full. Get it emptied.

The POWER Lamp Flashes Orange Eight flashes: Waste ink tank almost full
The printer has a built-in waste ink tank for the ink used during print head cleaning. Eight flashes indicates that the waste ink tank is nearly full. Press the RESUME/CANCEL button to cancel the error so you can continue printing. Before the waste ink tank becomes completely full, contact a Canon service representative.

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

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.

The waste ink absorption pads cannot be emptied, only replaced.

Replacing the waste ink absorption pads is something an authorized canon service facility can take care of for you. Once they are replaced, it'll be functional again.

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

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.