What to do with old glasses?

For several thousands of UAE residents, glasses are the go-to vision correction product in the market. They’re also a popular accessory for protecting the eyes against harmful rays from the sun, computers, and mobile devices.

However, like most products, they’re susceptible to wear-and-tear and damage. Thus, most optometrists recommend updating your spectacles every one to two years following a change in prescription.

Unfortunately, most people don’t know what to do with old glasses. Some throw them into the trash like general waste. Since these vision enhancement devices are typically made of metal or plastic, discarding them contributes to pollution. Those who don’t throw them away put them in a drawer or wardrobe where they become out of sight and out of mind.

The good news is that there are several ways to recycle old glasses. So, keep reading to learn how to safely dispose of your pair of prescription or reading spectacles to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

1.     Put New Lenses In

Just because your prescription has changed doesn’t mean your frames should. You can have them reglazed with new lenses. This alternative is more cost-effective and eco-friendly than buying new lenses and frames. Plus, you can opt for better lenses with the money saved on frames.

2.     Sell Or Exchange Them

There comes a time when we get bored of wearing the same optical frames for years. Hence, we replace them with new ones for an updated look and style. However, one smart way to get rid of them is by exchanging them for new frames plus cash at a local optical shop. Exchanging will help you save money on new ones.

If you have a high-quality, unique, or limited frame design, you can also sell them on some of UAE’s most popular used product sites, such as Dubizzle or Meltoo. Here, you can probably sell them for a much better value.

3.     Give Them to Your Friends/Family or Charity

If you can’t or don’t want to sell your old glasses, you can give them away to someone who might need them. You could give your old glasses to your friends, family, or a charity shop that accepts donations of glasses. You can search online and make a few calls to different organizations for more information.

If you prefer giving them to someone you know, you can create a Facebook or Instagram post with pictures and the prescription information asking anyone interested in contacting you.

4.     Recycle

If these options aren’t for you, the least you can do is dispose of them safely and properly. Look for a multi-recycling bin in your area. Next, remove the lenses from the frame and put them into the appropriate bins (plastic, glass, metal, etc.)

So, there you have it – how to recycle glasses in four different ways. Of course, you can get rid of all your old frames in several other ways. However, our suggestions are easy to follow and can enable you to help reduce or minimize pollution.

If you’re interested in joining a recycling program, why not opt for Recapp? With UAE’s first recycling app, you can enjoy a free recyclables collection from your home and be rewarded for your efforts.