ReCo Pick Member Guide

How to Recycle Used Eyeglasses

Learn how to give prescription glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, and eyeglass cases another life through The ReCollective.

Used eyeglasses collected by The ReCollective for reuse

Give old glasses another use

Eyeglasses can still make a difference even after you no longer need them. Prescription glasses, readers, and sunglasses are made from mixed materials and are not typically accepted through curbside recycling.

The ReCollective collects usable eyeglasses and works with the Durham Lions Club to help put them back to good use.

What to include

Accepted Eyeglasses

Include glasses and cases that are intact and suitable for reuse.

Accepted

  • Prescription eyeglasses
  • Reading glasses
  • Sunglasses
  • Eyeglass cases

Please Leave Out

  • Damaged eyeglasses
  • Loose broken glass
How to set them out

Use Your Own Grocery-Sized Bag

Place approved eyeglasses and cases in a separate bag, standard grocery size or smaller, then put that bag inside your black waterproof collection bag on pickup day. Do not place eyeglasses in your ReCo Pick bag.

Before your pickup

How to Prepare Eyeglasses

Check the Condition

Only include eyeglasses that are intact and suitable for reuse. Leave out damaged glasses and loose broken glass.

Keep Cases With Glasses

Eyeglass cases are accepted and may be included in the same small collection bag.

Use Your Own Bag

Place glasses and cases in a grocery-sized bag or smaller before putting that bag inside your black waterproof collection bag.

Materials being sorted at The ReCollective warehouse in Durham
After collection

What Happens to Collected Eyeglasses?

Collected eyeglasses return to The ReCollective’s Durham warehouse, where they are gathered and prepared for delivery to the Durham Lions Club.

1

Collect: Eyeglasses and cases are brought back to The ReCollective’s Durham warehouse.

2

Prepare: Usable glasses are gathered for delivery to the Durham Lions Club.

3

Reuse: Through the Lions Recycle For Sight Program, usable glasses can be refurbished and distributed to people who need them.

Reuse pathway: Keeping glasses intact gives them the best opportunity to be refurbished and used again.

ReCo Pick Reminders

Standard monthly members Set out eyeglasses only during a month when Eyeglasses are featured as a ReCo Pick.
Almost Anything Plan members You may set out approved eyeglasses during any monthly pickup using the preparation instructions on this page.
Use your own bag Place eyeglasses in a separate bag that is grocery bag size or smaller, not inside the ReCo Pick bag.
Return all canvas bags Return all of your canvas bags each time you set out recycling so the team can provide a complete replacement kit.
Related information

Other Reuse and Recycling Guides

Jewelry recycling and reuse guide Reuse guide Jewelry View guide Lanyard and name tag reuse guide Reuse guide Lanyards & Name Tags View guide Art and office supplies recycling guide Reuse guide Art & Office Supplies View guide Clothing hanger recycling and reuse guide Reuse guide Clothing Hangers View guide
Service information

Local Pickup & Mailback

City page Durham View local information City page Raleigh View local information City page Cary View local information City page Chapel Hill & Carrboro View local information Mailback Almost Anything Bag Eyeglasses accepted