How do you recycle contact lenses?

Did you know that you can recycle your contact lenses? Maybe you did, and if so, well done to you, as 20% of contact lens wearers flush their lenses down the sink or toilet, which is a massive no no!

And when it comes to thinking more sustainably, we can all make a difference, even when it comes to our eyewear. It’s something we are super passionate about here at Superdrug; we all need to do our bit, which can include our eyewear choices! From opting for a pair of frames from our sustainable eyewear range (available at Superdrug Glasses Online) to knowing all about contact lens recycling, there’s something we can all do.  For example, if you love the glasses frames you already have but need new lenses? Why not use our Reglaze Service and prevent your old frames from heading to a landfill?

Everything you need to know about contact lens recycling 

So, are reusable contact lenses better than daily disposables? Let us tell you more! 

In some areas of the UK, you can recycle 100% of your daily disposable contact lenses, whereas, with reusable lenses, the solutions and cases that come with them could be non-recyclable.

You may think that wearing reusable lenses are better for the planet. In one way, you are correct, as you have less of them; however, when you can recycle 100% of your daily disposable lenses, then daily disposable lenses outperform reusable ones. There is no waste at all.

How do you recycle your contact lenses?

• The cardboard from either a delivery or the outer packaging of your lenses is widely recycled at home.
• Plastic bottles from your solution, if using reusable lenses, may be recyclable, but this will depend on your local authority/recycling plant.
• The blister packs that hold your lenses, the lens foil and the contact lenses themselves can all be recycled through a recycling scheme.
• Contact Lens cases, and bottle tops/bottle stoppers are usually non-recyclable.

We understand that collecting your contact lens waste and dropping this at a location where you can recycle them may be a little tricky. You’re not going to be going daily, but why not collect your waste and the next time you know you are going to pass a contact lens recycling bin, take it with you and pop them in.

Sustainability at Superdrug

Contact lens recycling is not just down to the wearer. Manufactures, suppliers, and the Superdrug Contact Lenses Online team are stepping up.  Watch this space – there’s more to come!

You can read all about Superdrug’s CSR here to find out more.