How to recycle contact lenses in the UK

TerraCycle Banner

Contact lenses are so small that we tend to forget that they can have an impact on the environment. As they are not widely recycled by local councils, it means that even when you have the intention of recycling contact lenses, it’s up to you to find out how. With this in mind, we're providing an easy way for you to recycle your contact lenses and packaging.

Contact lens recycling in the UK

Taking part in our recycling scheme is super easy... and free! Recycle contact lenses in just 3 steps:

Waste Box

1

Put your contact lens waste in a box (lenses, cases, blister packs, foils/wrappings). You can use your Vision Direct box.

Please try to avoid sending back cardboard contact lens boxes or solution bottles as these are already widely recycled in household waste.

Print Label

2

Download your FREE Royal Mail label, print it off and stick it on this box. Ensure that your package is securely sealed.

Print your FREE Label

Package being posted

3

Post your free package to us and let the contact lens recycling begin!

We'll fill up our boxes from a specialist recycling company and send them off to be recycled!

Recycling contact lenses for UK Residents

Everyone is allowed to send their lenses for recycling, even if you didn't purchase your lenses from Vision Direct - however, only UK residents will be able to get the free Royal Mail label and send it for free. If you live outside the UK, you can still send your contact lenses (to Vision Direct: Recycling, York Business Park, 2 Hudson Way, Nether Poppleton, York YO26 6RN) but you’ll need to pay for the shipping.

Be more eco-friendly with your contact lenses

If you are concerned about sustainability and about your everyday use of contact lenses and you can’t send your products to us, there are some simple steps to maintain a more eco-friendly way of life.

  • Don’t throw lenses in the toilets or the sink.
  • Dispose packaging and solution bottles in household recyclable bin.
  • Lenses and foil lids on blister packs aren’t biodegradable - need to be put in normal bins.
  • Switch to a different wearing pattern and choose monthly or weekly contact lenses to reduce number thrown away.
  • Remember to recycle your solution bottles!

Additional information

If you live in London, you can also pop by our Camden head office and give your lens waste to us directly.

If you have any questions, our customer service will happily answer by phone (020 7768 5000), email (help@visiondirect.co.uk) and online chat. You can also drop us a message on Facebook and Twitter. Please visit our related links:

please wait