A printer includes: an inkjet printhead having first and second rows of printhead chips; a platen having first and second spittoon slots corresponding to the first and second rows of printhead chips, each spittoon slot having a length corresponding to a length of the printhead and a width extending between a respective upstream sidewall and a respective downstream sidewall of the platen; first and second rollers positioned in the respective first and second spittoon slots for receiving ink spitted from the first and second rows of printhead chips; a rotation mechanism for rotating the first and second rollers; and first and second scrapers engaged with respective first and second rollers. A diameter of each roller is less than the width of its respective spittoon slot.