Glasses including reading glasses and sunglasses should never be put in your recycling bin at home. If they are in good condition, you can donate them to your local charity shop such as Salvos and Red Cross. You can also donate them to the recycling and reuse programs listed below.
Why should I donate my unwanted glasses?
Glasses collected through the below programs are distributed worldwide to communities in need. In some of these communities, an eye exam can cost a month's wages. Consequently, poor eyesight often goes untreated, leading to further complications.
The simple donation of unwanted glasses can make a huge difference to someone living in less fortunate circumstances.
Recycling and reuse programs
Lions Recycle for Sight Australia
As part of the Lions Clubs International Worldwide Eyeglass Recycling Program, you can drop off or mail your unwanted glasses, spectacles, hearing aids and unused contact lenses to Lions Club to be distributed to those in need in Australia and abroad.
Lions has partnered with Specsavers to provide Australians around the country with drop-off points. Visit your local store to drop off your unwanted glasses.
Alternatively, you can mail them to Lions (please remove the glasses from any cases and pop them in a padded bag or bubble wrap):
Reply Paid 3021
Lions Recycle for Sight
PO Box 3021
Clontarf MDC Qld 4019
Optometrists
The following Optometrists accept donations of spectacles for reuse. If you know of any others that accept donations, please email us at recycling@planetark.org
Please note: it's important to ensure the donated glasses are in good working order, without scratched lenses or damage to the frames.
East Lakes Eye Care
Eastlakes Mall, Evans Avenue, Eastlakes, NSW 2018
Phone: (02) 9667 3545
Email: eastlakeseyecare@gmail.com
Website: www.eastlakeseyecare.com.au
Noble Optical
1A Leonard Avenue, Noble Park, Victoria 3174
Phone: (03) 9547 5711
