Over half of people in the UK wear glasses or have had corrective eye surgery. With regular eye tests often leading to new prescriptions, it’s easy to end up with a few unused frames lying around. Since most glasses are made from acetate, metal, or other durable materials, they can’t go in your household recycling bin.
So, what to do with old glasses? Instead of letting them gather dust, here are simple, sustainable ways to donate, recycle, or repurpose your used glasses — while helping others and reducing waste.
Where can I recycle spectacles?
If you’ve recently bought new glasses, recycling your used spectacles is one of the most responsible things you can do. Many local stores and high street opticians now have in-store drop-off points for used glasses frames.
How to recycle old glasses?
Wondering what to do with old glasses that are broken or outdated? Here are a few ideas:
- Drop your used glasses into a recycling box at your local optician.
- Remove the lenses before recycling and separate frames and lenses into the correct bins if requested.
- Some councils also accept metal or acetate frames at local recycling points.
Recycling prevents old glasses from ending up in landfill and gives the materials a second life.
♻️ Tip: Always check with your optician or local recycling centre for their specific guidelines.
At Glasses Direct, we’re passionate about sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives that protect the planet while supporting good causes.
Where can I donate glasses near me?
If your old pair of glasses are still in good condition, why not donate them? Many opticians, charity shops, and non-profits accept second-hand eyeglasses to help those in need access affordable eyewear. Knowing what to do with old glasses can make a meaningful difference to someone else’s life.
Popular Glasses Donation Options
- Lions Clubs International – refurbishes and distributes donated glasses globally to people with limited access to eye care.
- Peep Eyewear – accepts old glasses frames for recycling, upcycling, or redistribution through partner charities.
- Recycline – has stopped over 500 tonnes of old spectacles from ending up in landfill through responsible recycling.
Some charities even offer discounts or vouchers when you donate, so it’s worth checking before dropping them off.
🌍 Pro tip: Search “where can I donate glasses near me” to find the nearest drop-off point or local store that accepts donations.
Donate glasses to charity
Choosing to donate your old spectacles to charity is one of the most impactful ways to extend their life and support those who can’t afford a new pair. Many charities clean and refurbish old frames and fit them with new lenses for people in need. Whether through Lions Clubs International or your local optician, your used glasses could change someone’s life.
Before donating, give your glasses a quick clean and include the case if possible. This small gesture helps ensure your donation is ready for reuse.
Sell or gift your old frames
If your glasses frames are still stylish and in good condition, selling or gifting them is another sustainable option.
- Sell your second-hand glasses online through sites like eBay, Vinted, or Depop — designer brands are especially popular.
- Gift your old pair of glasses to a friend or family member who needs a spare pair or reading glasses.
This approach promotes sustainability while helping reduce waste and encouraging reuse.
Make simple repairs
Love your old frames too much to part with them? You can often repair or reglaze them:
- Tighten screws or replace nose pads with a repair kit.
- Reglaze them with your updated prescription lenses.
- Ask your local optician for in-store repairs or adjustments.
Repairing your old glasses extends their lifespan, saves money, and supports sustainability — especially for high-quality or designer frames.
How to recycle glasses cases
Don’t forget your old glasses case! Many are made from plastic or mixed materials that can be reused or recycled too. If you’re wondering what to do with old glasses cases, here are some options:
- If the case is still in good condition, donate it along with your old pair of glasses.
- Some recycling centres or opticians accept cases separately.
- For worn-out cases, check local recycling schemes or upcycle them as small storage containers for travel accessories, sewing kits, jewellery, or stationery.
Even small actions like this contribute to sustainability and waste reduction.
Making the most of your old glasses
Whether you recycle old frames, donate glasses to charity, or repair your old prescription glasses, there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to make sure your eyewear doesn’t go to waste. When you’re unsure what to do with old glasses, remember that even the smallest effort helps protect the environment and support global eye care initiatives.
By choosing to reuse or recycle, you’re helping protect the environment, supporting access to affordable eye care, and making more sustainable style choices.
At Glasses Direct, we’re proud to support greener practices and offer a range of eco-friendly glasses — perfect for anyone who wants to care for the planet without compromising on style.
🌱 Discover our sustainable collection today and learn more about our environmental commitments.
