How to Responsibly Dispose of Old Eyeglasses

When it's time to replace your eyeglasses, there are several responsible ways to dispose of them instead of sending them to the landfill. One option is to donate them to organizations that collect eyeglasses for people in need, such as Lions Clubs International or OneSight. These organizations refurbish and distribute the glasses to individuals who cannot afford them.

If your eyeglasses are broken or damaged beyond repair, you can still recycle them. Many eyeglass retailers and optical centers have collection programs where you can drop off your old glasses for recycling. These glasses are then sent to recycling facilities where they are disassembled, and the various components are recycled. The metal frames can be melted down and reused, while the plastic frames can be recycled into new plastic products.

It's important to note that eyeglasses contain lenses, which are made of glass or plastic. These lenses can pose a safety risk if not handled properly. To ensure safe disposal, remove the lenses from the frames before dropping off your glasses for recycling.