Optical Recycling with Specsavers

Optical recycling initiative success across London

Tuesday 17th October 2023

The equivalent of one million glasses – made up of more than 50 tonnes of eyecare materials, including specs and contact lenses – have been recycled thanks to the support of Specsavers customers in London.

The total, since the initiative began in August 2022, has been unveiled by Specsavers as part of Recycle Week (16th - 22nd October).

Teaming up with recycling experts MYgroup, collection points have been available in store for customers to recycle their unwanted specs and contact lens packaging.

‘A big thank you to everyone who has helped us with this recycling initiative by bringing in their eye care products for disposal,’ says James Sawyer, Specsavers Divisional Chair London. ‘To have also contributed to such a huge overall total is brilliant and we want to continue to recycle as much as we can to help reduce the amount of waste to landfill.

‘Customers can drop off metal, plastic glasses and sunglasses, as well as contact lenses and accessories, including blister packs, glasses cases, contact lens cases and solution bottles. Unfortunately, we can’t accept lens cloths.’

Once the collection bins are full, the items are sent to MYgroup’s recycling plant in Hull. The glasses and contact lenses are given a second lease of life and repurposed into a wide range of items such as furniture, home, and garden accessories, including benches and play park equipment.

The recycled material MYboard™ can also be used in the building trade as a great alternative to plywood. Unlike some recycled items, the board created by MYgroup has the potential to be recycled repeatedly, so any items dropped off can be repurposed multiple times.

You can discuss any eye or hear care queries with the team at Specsavers Hammersmith on 020 8748 3233 or you can book an appointment online.