Eyeglasses & Sunglasses

How to dispose of Eyeglasses & Sunglasses

Old prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses — even broken ones — should not go in your household recycling bin. The mixed materials (plastic frames, metal, glass lenses) make kerbside recycling unsuitable. Fortunately, several well-established Australian donation programs give them a second life for people in need.

  • Return to Collection Point

    Broken or Unusable Glasses & Sunglasses

    Check the Label: Even broken frames are accepted — do not throw in your recycling or general waste bin if avoidable. Prepare It: Remove glasses from any hard case. Wrap loosely if sharp. No need to separate lenses from frames. Dispose Right: Post to Lions Recycle for Sight (Reply Paid 3021, Lions Recycle for Sight, PO Box 3021, Clontarf MDC QLD 4019) — postage is free using the Reply Paid address. Lions will refurbish what they can and distribute to people in need both in Australia and overseas. Drop-off points are also available at select Lions Club locations — visit lionsclubs.org.au to find your nearest club.
  • Donate

    Prescription & Reading Glasses (Good Condition)

    Check the Label: No label needed — if your glasses are intact and functional, they are ideal for donation. Prepare It: Remove glasses from any hard cases (cases can be donated separately to op shops). Clean lenses if possible. Dispose Right: Drop off at your local Specsavers store and place in their in-store glasses recycling box, or hand to a team member. You can also drop off at OPSM, Laubman & Pank, or Budget Eyewear stores, which partner with OneSight to distribute glasses to communities in developing countries. Alternatively, donate through your local Salvos or Red Cross op shop.