How To Reuse/Recycle Glasses?
Whether you’ve broken your spectacles beyond repair, need a prescription update after a recent check-up, or simply feel like upgrading your aesthetic with a new style, there are myriad reasons why you may want to swap out your former frames.
If that’s you, you might be wondering what to do with your old glasses. In this blog post, we share some inventive ways that you can reuse glasses frames — including where to recycle glasses frames — and give your previous spectacles a brand new lease of life.
HOW TO RESUSE OLD GLASSES AND WHERE TO RECYCLE GLASSES FRAMES
If you’re asking yourself, “can I change the frame of my glasses?”, the answer is a resounding yes! Two thirds of Australians (that’s approximately 17 million people) wear prescription glasses according to Optometry Australia, and just like clothes, shoes and other accessories, those frames have a finite lifespan.
The question is, how do you dispose of your former frames responsibly? Due to the mix of materials in your glasses, you can’t recycle old spectacles in a kerbside or household recycling bin. But before you throw them in the general waste, there are a few ways you can reuse glasses frames and prevent them from ending up in landfill:
- Re-lens them — If you’re updating your prescription, or if your lenses are scratched beyond use, have the lenses replaced to get your spectacles back in full working order. If you’re still planning on updating your everyday frames with a fresh set, why not turn the previous pair into prescription sunglasses?
- Repair them — Loose hinges, wonky nose pads and bent arms can make your frames uncomfortable to wear, but these issues are easy to fix. We offer a wide range of glasses repair services, from replacement parts to repaints. No repair job is too small, so get in touch for a quote today.
- Sell them — If your frames are in good condition, why not sell them on an online marketplace such as Gumtree or eBay? Designer and vintage or antique frames never go out of style. If you can’t find a willing buyer, you could always give them away to a friend.
- Recycle them — Glass recycling initiatives such as the Lions Organisation’s Recycle For Sight programme send unwanted frames to developing countries. Simply wrap them in bubble wrap or put them in a padded bag and post them to the organisation’s headquarters in Queensland.