What to do with expired contacts
Wondering what to do with expired contacts? Wearing expired lenses could damage your eyes or give you an infection, so it's important to toss them into the trash. That might feel like a waste, especially if the package is unopened, but it's just not worth the risk. (An eye infection is a huge pain!)
Here's the thing: When you're tossing out expired contacts, it's important to dispose of them correctly. Contacts break down into microplastics, which means they need to be handled carefully.
What you can do with unused expired contact lenses:
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Take the contact lenses out of their packaging.
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Put the cardboard boxes and plastic packaging in your recycling bin.
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Throw the contact lenses away with your non-recyclable trash. This reduces the risk that they'll end up in the local water supply.
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Protect the environment and reduce microplastic pollution by avoiding rinsing expired contacts down the sink or flushing them down the toilet.
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Look for a contact-recycling program from the manufacturer to reduce your contribution to landfills.
Can expired contacts be donated?
No, expired contacts cannot be donated. While it's a generous impulse to want to improve another person's life and reduce waste, expired lenses carry the risk of infection.
If you're interested in donating unused contacts, make sure to do so before their expiration date. After that, programs that accept contacts will automatically dispose of them for safety.
Some types of contacts can't be donated. For example, some donation programs won't accept toric contacts regardless of the expiration date. That's because these lenses are designed and fitted to correct your unique form of astigmatism. This type of individualized prescription doesn't transfer easily to another person.
If you're not sure what to do with expired contacts or toric contacts that can't be donated, think about recycling them. However, make sure to do it safely. You can recycle the cardboard boxes and blister packs at home, but municipal recycling programs typically don't accept the lenses themselves.
If you want to cut down your personal waste, check with the manufacturer to find out if they have a recycling initiative. These programs can recycle the blister packaging and the contacts. (Convenient and eco-friendly; what could be better?)
Can expired contacts be recycled?
Yes, expired contact lenses can be recycled but only through special programs. Any type of contact can be recycled this way, whether or not it's used. Contacts should never be put in with your regular recycling; municipal programs can't process them.
Some recycling programs can also accept packaging but not always. For example, the Bausch + Lomb One by One Recycling Program will accept used blister packs, contact lenses, and plastic contact lens cases. However, it will not accept unopened blister packs or the cardboard boxes your contacts come in.
What does that mean for you? If you have expired contacts that haven't been opened, you'll need to remove them from their blister packs before recycling both items. The paperboard or cardboard boxes can usually be tossed in with your curbside recycling.
Keep in mind that the recycling criteria might vary by program. If your contact manufacturer has a recycling option, read the rules carefully before handing over your expired contacts. Following protocol helps recycling programs run efficiently, which increases their chances of success. (Which is great for you and the planet.)
Learn how to order contact lenses online at 1-800 Contacts
What to do with expired contact solution
Expired contact solution isn't safe for your eyes, so you should dispose of it as soon as the expiration date passes. When a solution expires, it loses some of its power to clean and disinfect your contacts. As a result, your contacts could transfer bacteria to your eyes, causing irritation or infections. If you're using expired contact lens solution and expired contacts, the risk of infection is even higher.
Expired solution bottles can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. (Yikes.) And when the chemicals in the solution break down, the resulting mixture can be painful or damaging to your eyes.
The bottom line? Never use expired contact solution.
Here's how to get rid of expired solution safely:
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Note when the bottle passes its expiration date.
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Run the water in your sink.
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Pour the expired solution down the drain, allowing the water to run for a minute afterward.
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Rinse the bottle.
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Recycle the bottle with your curbside recycling, if permitted, or give it to a contact lens recycling program.
Do you throw away old contacts?
When you're deciding what to do with expired contacts, you should never wear or donate them. Instead, dispose of them safely by putting the lenses in your household trash or giving them to a contact lens recycling program. Never rinse contacts down the sink or flush them down the toilet. And to reduce your environmental impact, recycle your contact packaging and contact solution bottles with the rest of your household materials.
Are you planning to recycle your expired contacts? Visit 1-800 Contacts to stock up on the same brand of contacts your eye care professional prescribed.
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