Contact lens recycling

Recycling your contact lenses

You can now return contact lenses, packets and foils to us for recycling.

Our new contact lens recycling service will keep your contact lenses and packaging out of landfill and waterways. Simply return your used contact lenses, foil lids and plastic blister packs to us and they'll be recycled. Please dispose of the cardboard outer packaging in your normal recycling bin. See below for more details.

How are contact lenses recycled?

In New Zealand contact lens recycling was instigated by the contact lens manufacturer Bausch & Lomb. Bausch & Lomb have generously agreed to recycle all contact lens brands and types through their recycling program. So you can send any contact lenses that you buy from us for recycling. The recyling process is handled in NZ by TerraCycle. The lenses and packets are compressed and turned into new products such as plastic chairs.

Do not throw your lenses down the drain

Contact lenses that are disposed of down drains can end up as micro plastic pollution in the environment. Contact lenses are not handled well by our sewage treatment systems. Studies have found that microbes in the sewage system can break down contact lenses into mircoplastic particles which can be eaten by fish and other animals, ultimately entering the human food chain.

The Details

Return your contact lenses to:
i-contacts Recycling
52 Mokoia Road
Birkenhead
Auckland, New Zealand

• Postage and packing of returned lenses is at your own cost. There are no further costs to you.
• You are welcome to drop off your lenses and packets in person at Highbury Optometrists 52 Mokoia Road Birkenhead.
• The contact lenses can be recycled whether they are used or unused.
• Any contact lens brands you have purchased from us can be returned for recycling.
• Please only return contact lenses, foil lids and plastic blister packs. Please dispose of any cardboard and paper packaging in your normal recycle bin.
• Lenses and packs are collected by Highbury Optometrists, then sent to Bausch & Lomb for sorting. The final recycling process is handled by TerraCycle.

Want to read more about recycling contact lenses?
        Bausch + Lomb launches contact lens, blister recycling program (Packaging World)
        The environmental cost of contact lenses (Phys.org)