Most people don’t know that they can recycle their contact lenses; more than half throw their used lenses in the bin, and one in five flush them down the loo or sink.
This is according to a survey for Johnson & Johnson Vision, which also found only one third of contact lens wearers recycle their lenses. The research, involving 2,000 adults, comes as the company sets a target to increase the volume of contact lens recycling by up to 25 per cent.
Jakob Sveen, Johnson & Johnson Vision managing director, northern Europe and general manager UK and Ireland, said; “We’re passionate about sustainability and minimising our impact on the planet. The results of this latest survey reveal lens wearers don’t realise they can dispose of contacts sustainably but would be keen to do so if they knew how.
“We want to help patients realise they can enjoy wearing contact lenses whilst being sustainable, ensuring plastic isn’t making its way into our oceans or landfill. We are determined to continue tackling key issues that affect us all, from recycling and reducing our carbon footprint, to optimising our packaging.”
Johnson & Johnson Vision is funding 3,500 recycling boxes for used contact lenses, the original foil covers and blister packaging – enough capacity for 5.5m lenses.
The scheme, which started in Boots Opticians and independents, has helped to recycle over 8.5 million pairs of contact lenses since 2019. It is now being opened up across the country. For new joiners the first zero waste box costs £30 but re-orders are free.
Find out more at Acuvue recycle and to take part, fill in this form.