Can You Recycle Contact Lenses?
Last updated: 24 April 2026
Can You Recycle Contact Lenses?
Last reviewed by James Hartley on 24 April 2026
Not in curbside bins. Bausch + Lomb's ONE by ONE program accepts used contacts, blister packs, and top foil via free mail-in recycling. Over 1 billion lenses landfilled yearly.
Contact lenses are made of a blend of plastics and silicone hydrogels, which makes them difficult to recycle through traditional kerbside or curbside methods due to their small size and complex composition. The material science behind contact lenses involves polymers that aren't easily broken down into recyclable materials.
According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.
How to Recycle Contact Lenses Properly
To recycle contact lenses properly, start by visiting the Bausch + Lomb ONE by ONE program website. This initiative offers free mail-in recycling kits for both used contacts and packaging like blister packs and top foil. Simply collect your waste in a sealed bag and send it off using the prepaid shipping label provided.Another option is to look into local eye care clinics or pharmacies that might offer similar recycling services. For instance, in some regions of the UK, Boots Opticians partners with TerraCycle for their contact lens recycling scheme.
Why Contact Lenses Isn't Easy to Recycle
Contact lenses are difficult to recycle because they're made from a mix of polymers and silicone hydrogels, materials that are tough to separate and process. These plastics aren't compatible with existing kerbside or curbside recycling systems due to their small size and the contamination risk posed by biological waste.Alternatives to Throwing Contact Lenses Away
One practical alternative is reusing contact lens cases and solution bottles for a longer period, which reduces waste. Some eye care providers offer recycling bins at their clinics or partner with local recycling initiatives like TerraCycle in North America and parts of Europe. Additionally, switching to reusable glasses can significantly cut down on the amount of contact lens waste generated.FAQ
Can you put used contact lenses in regular household recycling? No, you can't place them in your kerbside or curbside bin due to their material composition and size. Use specific recycling programs like Bausch + Lomb's ONE by ONE program instead.Where can I find contact lens recycling bins near me? Check with local eye care providers such as Boots Opticians in the UK, which may offer TerraCycle bins for contact lenses and packaging. Alternatively, visit the TerraCycle website to find nearby drop-off locations or participate in their mail-in programs.
How does Bausch + Lomb's ONE by ONE program work? Bausch + Lomb's ONE by ONE program provides free recycling kits that allow you to collect used contacts and packaging before mailing them back using a prepaid label. This initiative helps divert waste from landfills, contributing to environmental sustainability efforts.
Sources
- UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
- Consumer Technology Association
- Counterpoint Research
Frequently Asked Questions
Is contact lenses accepted in curbside recycling?
Not in curbside bins. Bausch + Lomb's ONE by ONE program accepts used contacts, blister packs, and top foil via free mail-in recycling. Over 1 billion lenses landfilled yearly.
What happens to contact lenses when it's recycled?
Contact Lenses goes through sorting and processing at specialist facilities.
Can I put contact lenses in my household recycling bin?
Check your local council or waste hauler's guidelines for contact lenses, as acceptance varies by area.