Do You Dispose of Contact Lenses Correctly?

Do you know what to do with your contact lenses after you’re done with them? If not, you’re not alone. Studies indicate that a significant percentage of contact lens wearers improperly dispose of their lenses, with many flushing them down the toilet or sink. This contributes to Australia’s growing waste problem, as over 13% of Australians wear contact lenses and more than 250 million contact lens packets end up in landfill each year.
Improper disposal of contact lenses poses environmental risks. Flushed lenses degrade into harmful microplastics that enter our waterways, harming marine life and contaminating food chains. These microplastics impact Australia’s unique ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef, and ultimately affect human health.
Proper contact lens disposal isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about protecting Australia’s environment and its future.

How to Dispose of Contact Lenses Properly in Australia

Want to reduce contact lens waste and make a positive impact? Here’s how you can dispose of their contact lenses responsibly.

1. Stop Flushing Your Contact Lenses

No Flushing Allowed
When you flush your used lenses, they don’t dissolve in water. Instead, they travel to water treatment facilities, where they break down into microplastics. These microplastics can make their way to Australian water sources, such as rivers and oceans, affecting marine life like fish and turtles.
Australia’s aquatic wildlife is an integral part of our biodiversity. By not flushing your lenses, you can help preserve ecosystems like the Murray-Darling Basin and the Coral Sea. Dispose of lenses in a more eco-friendly way to keep our waterways clean and safe.

2. Recycle Your Contact Lenses

Find Recycling Programs in Australia
Although contact lenses are too small for standard curbside recycling bins, several initiatives in Australia allow you to recycle your lenses. Major brands and optometrists partner with organisations like TerraCycle or Opticycle to create lens recycling programs.

Here’s how it works:
-Collect your used lenses, blister packs, and foil seals in a small box.
-Drop them off at participating optometrist offices or mail them to TerraCycle.
These programs recycle the materials into useful items, reducing the strain on landfills. Check with your local optometrist stores to find the nearest recycling location.

3. Donate Unused Lenses

Give the Gift of Clear Vision
If you have unopened, unexpired contact lenses, consider donating them to organisations that support Australians in need. Charities like Good360 Australia or local homeless shelters often accept contact lenses.
Before donating, ensure the packaging is intact and check with the organisation to confirm they accept donations. Your unused lenses could improve someone’s quality of life, reducing waste while supporting a good cause.

4. Choose Longer-Wear Options

Reduce Waste with Extended Wear Lenses
Switching to extended wear or reusable contact lenses is a simple way to minimise waste. Monthly or fortnightly lenses significantly reduce the number of disposables you throw away.
Gas permeable (GP) lenses are another eco-friendly option. Unlike disposable lenses, GP lenses can last for a year or longer, cutting down on plastic waste. Speak to your local optometrist about choosing longer-lasting lenses that fit your lifestyle and reduce environmental impact.
Please note that everyone’s eye condition is unique. If you’re considering switching to contact lenses, consult your eye doctor for personalised advice.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Making eco-friendly choices for your contact lens disposal may seem small, but collectively, they make a difference. Whether it’s recycling your lenses, donating unused ones, or switching to extended wear options, you can contribute to a cleaner, greener Australia.

As Australians, it’s our responsibility to protect the natural beauty and unique ecosystems of our land. By adopting sustainable practices, you can help safeguard the environment for future generations.

Ready to Do Your Part?

The next time you dispose of your contact lenses, think about how your actions can impact the environment. Together, Australians can reduce plastic waste and create a brighter future.
Let’s keep Australia beautiful—one lens at a time!

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