Recycling Old Glasses

Recycling Old Glasses: What You Can Do

If you’ve recently updated your eyewear, don’t toss your old glasses in the trash just yet. While they might no longer meet your vision needs, they still hold value—both environmentally and socially. At Rochester Optical, we believe in giving your eyewear a second life, and recycling old glasses is a meaningful way to contribute to sustainability and community wellness.

Here’s how you can responsibly recycle your old glasses.

1. Donate Them Locally

Many community centers, shelters, and outreach programs welcome gently used glasses for redistribution. These glasses can help individuals who don’t have access to regular eye care or can’t afford new frames. If you’re unsure where to take them, contact local service groups, healthcare clinics, or schools to see if they accept eyewear donations.

2. Return to Rochester Optical

We encourage customers to bring their old glasses back to us. Whether they’re prescription, readers, or sunglasses, we’ll make sure they’re directed toward the most responsible reuse or recycling channels available. It’s a simple, convenient step with a big impact.

 

3. Recycle the Materials

If the glasses are too damaged to reuse, you can often recycle parts of them:

  • Metal frames can be included with scrap metal recycling.

  • Plastic frames may be accepted by specialty recycling centers.

  • Screws and hinges can be salvaged for repairs or repurposing.

Be sure to check your local recycling guidelines to see what’s accepted in your area.

4. Get Creative

Old glasses don’t have to be tossed—or even recycled—if you can repurpose them. Here are a few creative ideas:

  • Turn frames into unique photo or art displays.

  • Use lenses for craft projects or costume accessories.

  • Create a “memory frame” wall art piece using nostalgic pairs.

It’s a fun way to preserve your style and contribute to reducing waste.

5. Educate Others

Encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to recycle their eyewear too. The more people who participate, the greater the collective impact. Share your experience on social media or simply spread the word—change often starts with a conversation.

A Small Step with a Big Impact
Recycling your old glasses might seem like a small act, but it plays a role in reducing landfill waste, lowering the demand for new materials, and helping others. At Rochester Optical, we’re proud to support sustainable practices in everything we do—from advanced lens technology to eco-conscious solutions for your old frames.

Have glasses you no longer use? Stop by Rochester Optical or get in touch to learn how we can help you recycle them the right way.

 

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