How to Recycle Eyeglasses

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Last Updated: March 11, 2025

You can recycle old, outdated or broken eyeglasses instead of keeping them around the house in a drawer or throwing them away. Recycling and non-profit organizations often collect eyeglasses, refurbish them and then donate them to other adults and children. The method you choose to recycle eyeglasses may depend on the reasons why you are donating eyeglasses in the first place.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Prepare to Recycle Eyeglasses

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1
Consider how organizations will use recycled eyeglasses.
- Most organizations send the eyeglasses to under-served areas in local communities or to developing countries around the world. If you have a preferred group you would like to help by donating eyeglasses, make sure you find an organization that works with that group.
- Some organizations recycle more than lenses, so you may be able to donate just the frames.
National organizations, such as the Lion's Club, New Eyes for the Needy and others, provide several methods for donating eyeglasses.

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3
Check the guidelines to recycle eyeglasses. Some companies may require you to pack any intact lenses encased in plastic or metal frames in corrugated cardboard boxes to protect the eyeglasses.
- Most organizations prefer that you donate glasses and sunglasses that you have gently used. Do not send loose or broken lenses or frames.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Recycle Eyeglasses at Drop Boxes

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Most will provide drop-off locations where you can donate glasses. They may provide links to state, regional or national centers.
2
Find independent recycling centers in or near your area. Donating eyeglasses can be easier if you can find a drop-off box close to your work or home.
- Examples of places with drop-off boxes include local non-profit organizations, volunteer organizations, libraries, churches, community centers, schools, doctors' offices and even coffee shops.
Simply place non prescription or outdated prescription eyeglasses into the designated box.
The cost to ship your donated eyeglasses to a local organization may be less than the cost to ship them to a national organization.
Take note of any special instructions provided along with this information.
7
Pack your glasses so they won't break during shipping.
- If you want to donate more than 1 pair of glasses, you can usually package them together.
8
Put postage on the envelop and drop the package off at your local post office.
- When you donate glasses, the cost of shipping may be tax-deductible, depending on the organization.

Community Q&A

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Question

If I can't afford new glasses, can I recycle my own glasses for myself?

Community Answer

Not really because your eyesight changes, so you will need to buy new glasses. However, many optometrists will order new lenses to go in your old frames, so you could save money by saving your old frames.

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Question

What do I do with broken eyeglass frames?

Community Answer

If you have broken eyeglass frames, either bring them to an optician to be fixed, or recycle them.

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