We help save the planet through contact lens recycling and eyeglasses donations!
Did you know? 290+ million contacts end up in Canadian landfills or waterways every year.
Now is the time to do more to help the environment. We all have a role to play – companies, communities and individuals when helping the planet. We think it is important to keep damaging microplastics out of our waterways or landfills. To achieve this, we are willing to make a difference by recycling contact lenses.
If you agree with the above, it means you’re ready to join our Every Contact Counts recycling program sponsored by Bausch & Lomb, the creator of Ultra and Biotrue contact lenses. Join the movement – Start recycling your contact lenses today!
HOW IT WORKS:
First Step: Locate one of our Kodak Lens Vision Centre locations to recycle the contact lenses. Ask us about Bausch + Lomb contact lenses and how you can recycle your contact lenses. We accept any blister packs with contact lenses inside for any contact lens brand. Please remember to dispose of the solution.
Second Step: Collect your discarded lenses and blister packs in any re-usable or single use container/bag. We can provide you a pouch to collect your contact lenses and blister packs.
Third Step: Drop off your collected waste at your nearest Kodak Lens Vision Centre location. You can drop off your filled recycling pouch or singlue use container/bag in our recycling bin or hand it to us directly at our front desk/reception area.
Fourth Step: Start again! Repeat the cycle and begin collecting again.
Recycling guidelines
Make sure all excess liquids, such as contact lens solution, are removed. If you choose to rinse your product, ensure it is completely dry.
Please do not include cardboard boxes in your collections, as these are recyclable through regular municipal recycling.
With the help of our Eye Care Professionals, Bausch + Lomb and Terracycle, we will help you dispose of your contact lenses properly and safely to protect our environment. Simply collect your used lenses and blister packs and drop them off at any of our Kodak Lens Vision Centre locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Bausch + Lomb's Every Contact Counts Recycling Program?
The Bausch + Lomb Every Contact Counts Recycling Program allows contact lenses and packaging to be recycled properly, with the goal of reducing landfill waste associated with contact lenses. It is the first contact lens recycling program in Canada and is in partnership with TerraCycle, a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste.
Why can't I recycle my contact lenses with my other plastic/recyclable items in Ontario?
Recycling centers do not support the recycling of contact lenses. Due to the size of contact lenses and their packaging, these materials get filtered out at recycling facilities and directed to the waste stream, contributing to landfills across Canada.
Can I put my contact lens waste in larger sealable containers for recycling?
Recycling centers have sorting processes to identify and open sealed containers. If any contaminants are found (food waste, contact lenses, other unrecyclable items), the entire container, and in some cases the entire load are diverted to landfill waste streams. Please strictly follow the guidelines.
How do I send in my contact lens waste?
To participate in the program, visit one of our Kodak Lens Vision Centres or a local eye care practitioner that offers the Every Contact Counts recycling service. You can locate participating clinics using our Map Locator Tool.
What can I recycle through this program?
You can recycle waste associated with contact lenses, including:
- Contact lenses
- Top foil
- Opened, dried plastic blister packs
Unopened blister packs are not accepted through this program and should not be included in your shipment.
Please note: Bausch + Lomb contact lens cardboard boxes are recyclable through regular municipal recycling. Please do not include them in your shipments through this program
Can I only recycle Bausch + Lomb contact lens brands?
You may collect and recycle any brand of contact lens waste for this recycling program.
Do I need to clean the contact lens waste before I send it in?
No, you do not need to clean the waste before bringing it to any of our Kodak Lens Vision Centre locations. However, please ensure each blister pack is dry and remove as much of the liquid from blister packs as possible before dropping off your waste.
What happens to the contact lens waste?
Once received, the contact lenses and blister packs are separated and cleaned. The metal layers of the blister packs are recycled separately, while the contact lenses and plastic blister pack components are melted into plastic that can be remolded to make recycled products.
What kind of products does the recycled contact lens waste create?
Contact lens associated waste has been upcycled into a large variety of new plastic products including benches, picnic tables, playground equipment and more. Stay tuned to the Every Contact Counts program to learn what your waste will be upcycled into!
Why should I participate?
Participating in the Bausch + Lomb Every Contact Counts Recycling Program benefits our environment by reducing the amount of waste deposited to landfills across the country. As a Canadian contact lens wearer, it is an opportunity to do your part as it relates to your contact lens waste and progressing to a cleaner environment.
We accept any used Eyeglasses & Sunglasses Donations
An out-of-sight opportunity to aid the vision impaired people of the world! We will transfer your used and doanted eyeglasses to support Lions Recycle for Sight program. So far, Lions in Canada have sent over 5.5 million pairs of used eyeglasses to about 90 countries around the world.
How it works:
- You donate your used eyeglasses and/or sunglasses by dropping them off at any of our Kodak Lens Vision Centre locations.
- We will transfer your used eyeglasses and/or sunglasses to Lions Recycle for Sight, which collect your used glasses and forward them to the Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre.
- The Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre team will clean, sort eyeglasses by prescription, and packages the collected eyeglasses.
Once ready, Lions will ship your used eyeglasses to somewhere they are needed. Your old eyeglasses make a big difference to somebody who really needs them.
