Recycling your glasses

Can I recycle my glasses?

Yes, you can!

If your glasses have become outdated or are simply no longer needed, recycling them is the best way to dispose of them sustainably while making a difference to others. Millions of people around the world don’t have access to basic eye care, and a pair of unwanted glasses can significantly improve someone's quality of life.

There are several ways to recycle your glasses, but here at OutsideClinic, we recommend Lions Recycle for Sight, a well-established initiative dedicated to refurbishing and redistributing glasses to those in need.

What happens to the recycled glasses?

Lions Recycling has been collecting and distributing old and unwanted glasses for over 30 years, taking in over 1,000,000 pairs during that period. Once received, the glasses are:

• Sorted and assessed: Glasses in good condition are refurbished, cleaned, and prepared for reuse.
• Repaired if necessary: Minor repairs may be carried out to ensure they are suitable for new users.
• Donated to those in need: The glasses are sent to individuals who struggle to access eye care, spanning multiple countries such as Papua New Guinea and Sri Lanka.+

By recycling your glasses, you’re not just reducing waste - you’re directly contributing to better vision for those who need it most.

Where and how do I recycle my glasses?

There are two main ways you can recycle your old glasses: posting them or dropping them off at a collection point.

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Postage:

You can post your glasses directly to Lions Recycle for Sight at the following address:

Lions Clubs International British Isles
257 Alcester Road South
Kings Heath
Birmingham
B14 6DT

However, ensure you only send the glasses themselves and not to include cases or cleaning cloths as these are unwanted.

Collection Point:

Many opticians and community centres act as collection points for used glasses. If you prefer to drop off your unwanted glasses in person, you can find local points by clicking here.

When should I recycle my glasses?

You can recycle your glasses at any time, but the most common reasons are:

• When you update to a new prescription and change glasses.
• When switching to a new frame.
• If the glasses are no longer needed.