How to Recycle Contact Lenses and Cases
Soft contact lenses made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials, plus plastic storage cases and blister packs. With 45 million contact lens wearers in the US discarding 20+ billion lenses annually, contact lens waste represents a significant environmental challenge. Most lenses are too small for conventional recycling but specialized programs exist for collection and processing.
- 1Rinse used contact lenses with saline solution to remove proteins and debris
- 2Separate lenses from packaging and cases for different recycling streams
- 3Clean contact lens cases thoroughly and allow to air dry
- 4Remove foil tops from blister packs (these go to metal recycling)
- 5Collect blister pack plastic shells separately
- 6Store lenses and cases in clean container until sufficient quantity for program
- 7Keep different brands together if required by recycling program
- Eye care practitioner offices with collection programs
- Select retail locations (LensCrafters, Pearle Vision)
- Mail-in contact lens recycling programs
- University sustainability programs
- Environmental organizations with microplastic initiatives
Regular recycling programs cannot handle contact lenses due to small size and specialized materials. Use manufacturer take-back programs or specialized contact lens recycling initiatives. Never flush lenses down drains - they contribute to microplastic pollution and can damage wastewater treatment equipment.
Contact lenses create 18,400 tons of waste annually in the US alone. Flushed lenses contribute to microplastic pollution in waterways and oceans, harming marine life. Specialized recycling converts lenses into park benches, playground equipment, and other plastic products, preventing ocean contamination while recovering valuable polymer materials.
- Extended wear lenses to reduce disposal frequency
- Daily lenses made from more sustainable materials
- Glasses as primary vision correction
- Reusable scleral or hard lenses for appropriate candidates
Accepted
- All soft contact lens brands and types
- Daily, weekly, and monthly disposable lenses
- Specialty lenses (toric, multifocal, colored)
- Contact lens storage cases
- Blister pack containers (plastic portion)
- Contact lens packaging materials
Not Accepted
- Hard or gas permeable contact lenses (different materials)
- Contact lens solutions and cleaners
- Eye drops and rewetting drops
- Contaminated or damaged packaging
Estimated value: $0 - most programs are free but accept materials for environmental benefit
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Microplastic pollution risk if improperly disposed
- Protein and lipid contamination from eye contact
- Preservatives in contact lens solutions
Why can't contact lenses go in regular recycling?
They're too small to be sorted by recycling equipment and are made from specialized medical-grade polymers not typically processed by municipal recycling facilities.
Is it really harmful to flush contact lenses?
Yes - studies show 15-20% of users flush lenses, contributing to microplastic pollution. Lenses don't biodegrade and can harm aquatic life while clogging wastewater treatment systems.
Can I recycle contact lens solution bottles?
Yes, these are typically standard plastic bottles (#1 PET or #2 HDPE) that can go in regular recycling after rinsing. Remove pumps and caps which may be different plastics.
How many contact lenses should I collect before recycling?
Most programs accept any quantity, but collecting several months' worth makes shipping more efficient. Some programs provide collection boxes for accumulating lenses over time.