The ACUVUE® Contact Lens Recycling Programme
They say you can’t recycle contact lenses, we say yes you can!
The ACUVUE® Contact Lens Recycling Programme
We are passionate about sustainability and putting the planet first. With the ACUVUE® Contact Lens Recycling Programme we want to make a positive difference, in partnership with you, to create a sustainable future for all by minimising our impact on the planet.
According to recent research we know that1:
58% of contact lens wearers in the UK are unaware that they can recycle their lenses.
57% are throwing their contact lenses in the bin
20% are flushing them down the toilet or sink
1. 11-question online survey of 2,000 UK adults, via TRUE Global Intelligence in partnership with Vitreous World, March 2022
Collecting and recycling contact lenses (including blister packs and foil covers) is made possible with TerraCycle®'s Zero Waste Boxes, found across our network of partner opticians. We aim to increase the volume of contact lenses recycled across the UK and are excited to offer a recycling solution to a growing number of opticians. Start collecting today and drop off your waste on your next visit!
How much has ACUVUE® recycled so far?
How it works
We offer a complete and convenient solution to recycle your contact lenses, blister packs and foil covers that aren’t currently recycled through local councils or traditional recycling facilities.
The programme operates through a network of public drop-off locations throughout the UK. As an individual, company, charity or school, you can drop off your recycling at any one of these locations.
What can you recycle in this programme?
Any brand of soft, disposable contact lenses (daily, 2-weekly and monthly)*
Contact lens blister packaging
Foil from the contact lens blister packaging
The outer box can be recycled with your standard household recycling.
What happens to waste collected?
Once collected, the aggregated contact lenses, blister packaging and outer foils are sorted, shredded and washed. The material is then densified into hard-granulated plastic granules. The granules are then extruded so they can be incorporated into the production of different plastic products.
For recycled contact lens materials the end applications include the likes of storage boxes, outdoor furniture and decking, car bumpers and construction applications such as polypipes (underground pipes).
Click here to learn more about the recycling process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SUSTAINABILITY AT ACUVUE®
† JJV Data on File 2023. ACUVUE® Contact Lens Recycling Scheme monthly statistics as supplied by recycling partner TerraCycle®
1. 11-question online survey of 2,000 UK adults, via TRUE Global Intelligence in partnership with Vitreous World, March 2022
2. JJV Data on File 2023. Sustainability Statistics for ACUVUE® Contact Lens Manufacturing
3. JJV Data on File 2023. Sustainability Statistics for ACUVUE® Contact Lens Manufacturing|
4. 11-question online survey of 2,000 UK adults, via TRUE Global Intelligence in partnership with Vitreous World, March 2022
5. 11-question online survey of 2,000 UK adults, via TRUE Global Intelligence in partnership with Vitreous World, March 2022