How to Recycle Prescription Glasses

Many people do not know what to do with their old prescription eyewear when they get a new set. You can always choose to recycle your old frames so that they can be used to create a new pair of glasses for someone else. Many places hold drives to collect old eyeglass frames so that they can help the needy to receive the glasses that they need and cannot afford.

• If you are unsure where you can recycle your unwanted and unneeded eyeglasses, ask your optometrist when you visit them for your eye exam, or feel free to give them a call if you have no plans of a visit. They may collect eyeglasses in their office to recycle, or can point you in the right direction.

• The Lions Club is a great place to donate your unwanted prescription glasses. They have collection sites at most schools and community centers. Check with your local school or library to see if they have a Lions Club recycling program. The Lions Club uses the glasses that you donate to help others in the community get the eyeglasses that they desperately need and cannot afford.

• Look online for resources that are collecting used eyewear for recycling. You should choose a company to donate to that will use the donation as a way to help out someone in your local community. Consider asking your church if they know of someone who may have a need for them. It is much cheaper to have lenses installed into existing frames. The frames are the most expensive part of prescription eyewear. 

• Use the Internet to perform a search using the keywords "eyeglass recycling center," along with the name of the city and state where you live. You should be provided with numerous websites that will help you narrow down your choices so that you can donate your glasses to a company that gives back to the community.