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Disposable Contact Lens, Cases and Solution Bottles

Disposing and recycling daily contact lens cases, plastic blister packs, and solution bottles require specific steps since these materials are often not accepted in regular curbside recycling. Here’s how you can properly handle them:

1. Contact Lens Blister Packs (Plastic & Foil Lids)

  • The plastic blister packs are typically made of polypropylene (#5 plastic). Some curbside recycling programs accept them, but many do not due to their small size.

  • If your local recycling doesn’t accept them, TerraCycle and Bausch + Lomb’s ONE by ONE recycling program allow you to mail in used blister packs for proper recycling.

  • The foil lids should be separated and recycled with aluminum if your program accepts it.

2. Contact Lens Cases

  • Hard plastic contact lens cases are usually made of polypropylene (#5 plastic).

  • Some curbside programs accept them, but you should check locally.

  • If not, consider reusing them for travel or small storage needs before disposing of them in the trash.

3. Used Contact Lenses

  • Contact lenses are not recyclable in curbside bins because they are too small and can contaminate recycling streams.

  • Programs like Bausch + Lomb’s ONE by ONE and TerraCycle accept used contact lenses for proper recycling.

4. Contact Lens Solution Bottles

  • Most contact lens solution bottles are made of PET or HDPE plastic (#1 or #2), which are widely accepted in curbside recycling.

  • Rinse out the bottle before recycling it.



How to Dispose or Recycle Contact Lenses
1. Do NOT Throw Them Down the Drain or Toilet

  • Contact lenses are small and flexible, making them prone to slipping through wastewater filters and ending up in water systems, contributing to microplastic pollution.


2. Standard Recycling Bins Do NOT Accept Them

  • Contact lenses are too small and made of a mix of plastics that are not typically accepted in curbside recycling.


3. Use Specialized Recycling Programs

  • Bausch + Lomb’s ONE by ONE Recycling Program (U.S. & Canada)

    • Accepts used contact lenses, blister packs, and foil lids.

    • Drop-off locations are available at participating eye care providers, or you can mail them in for free.

  • TerraCycle Contact Lens Recycling Program

    • Some brands partner with TerraCycle to offer take-back programs for contact lenses and their packaging.


4. If No Recycling Program is Available

  • If no specialized recycling program is accessible, dispose of used contact lenses in the trash rather than flushing them to prevent environmental harm.




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