7 Smart Ways to Recycle Your Old Glasses
Parting with your favourite frame isn’t easy. But holding onto your old glasses when they are doing nothing for your vision isn’t a great idea either.
Hold up! We are not asking you to throw them away; We just don’t want them to waste your closet space.
Many instances can call for eyewear declutter — maybe your prescription has changed, maybe you are chasing after a new style or maybe you’ve had enough of your current pair.
The instances are many and so are the ways to recycle used eyeglass frames. Fashion-forward people change their glasses as soon as the frame gets out of trend. This results in a huge amount of glasses being wind up in a landfill.
If you are running out of ideas for your old glasses, we are here to help. Read this blog to know how you can recycle or reuse your old frames.
Change the lens
Has your prescription changed? Or are your lenses damaged?
If yes, you are lucky. You can still get to keep your frame. Reglaze glasses and replace your old lenses with the new upgraded ones (with the new prescription).
Take your glasses to an optometrist or ophthalmologist and they will change the lenses for you. If you wish a more comfortable experience, leave your glasses with us at Specscart and we will get the job done. Reglazing is a smart choice when you are looking to save money on glasses.
Repair them
Maybe your frame has come loose or maybe the nose pads need a little adjusting. If you have been using your glasses for a long time, they are bound to have the effects of wear and tear.
You can tweak your frame by yourself or get it done from a local optician. You must also consider frame adjustment when you have bought prescription glasses online and they sit a little loose on your face.
Recycle them
Glasses consist of different materials. Where lenses are made from plastic, the frame is made from metal, aluminium, titanium, acetate or plastic. This is why recycling glasses is generally hard.
Going for eco-friendly frames like aluminium, titanium or acetate is a surefire way to ensure a long life of your glasses.
The next time you order glasses online, pay close attention to the frame and lens materials to ensure long durability for your glasses.
Some organizations often deconstruct glasses and then recycle the bare parts. You can contact your local recycle center and enquire if they will take your glasses.
Give them to charity
Ask the optometrists near you if they will reuse the discarded lenses or frames. If they don’t, there are a lot of charities and recycling programs that will do this happily. They will take your pair and give them to those in need.
A lot of people in developing countries suffer from vision problems but can’t afford to buy glasses. You can donate your old glasses and play your part.
Give them to family or friends
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
But your old specs are not trash. In fact, they can still make for a thoughtful giveaway.
If someone in your family or friends happens to have the same prescription as you, safely pass on your glasses to them. Reading glasses are the best for this matter as they only have a magnification strength, not the optical power.
It is also a possibility that they just love your frame. In this case, just take out the lenses and pass it along to them.
Save them for fancy dress
If your frame is rather old than damaged, you don’t have to throw it at all. Rather, save it up for occasions like a costume party. Your old glasses will come handy when you have to dress up for a fancy dress competition.
Want to get rid of those old round frames? Who knows? Maybe you will need to dress up as Harry Potter in your next wizard-themed party.
Sell them
If your glasses are still wearable, you can try your luck at reselling them online. We know you might be doubtful of this idea, but it is definitely worth a shot. There are many people out there who look for cheap glasses online and if your frame is in good condition, someone might buy them from you.
They can change the lens as per their vision needs or if the frame is funky enough, they might transform them into sunglasses.
The final word
Whatever way you choose to make use of your old glasses, do not throw them in the garbage bin. Glasses are made from different materials and dumping them into your household bin will make them end up in a landfill where they will go on to live for ages.
You spent a small fortune on your frames so you might as well make the most of them. Use these tips to make sure that your favourite frames don’t end up being a total waste.
