Lesley Cree Opticians supports contact lens recycling programme

Johnson & Johnson Vision (JJV) has launched a free nationwide recycling programme for all contact lenses in a major high street opticians and selected independent practices including Lesley Cree Opticians in Radcliffe On Trent.

The Acuvue Contact Lens Recycle Programme enables consumers to recycle their contact lenses, as well as the blister and foil packaging after use, regardless of which brand they use.

The recycling programme aims to reduce plastic waste in landfills and waterways by providing a simple and practical alternative to the UK’s 3.7m contact lens wearers.

JJV’s research found that 20% of contact lens wearers said that they currently dispose of their lenses by flushing them down the toilet or the sink.

The research also stated that 77% of British contact lens wearers said they would recycle their contact lenses if they could.

The survey was conducted by One Poll with 1000 contact lenses wearers in the UK in November 2018.

JJV’s partnership with select independent practices aims to provide over 1000 drop-off locations across the UK.

Commenting on the initiative Lesley Cree said “As a business, we are committed to doing our part to combat climate change, protect our planet’s natural resources and reduce waste. Consumers will be able to drop off their contact lens material through a network of recycling bins at public drop-off locations in optical practices, including at our practice in Radcliffe On Trent.”

To recycle the contact lenses, JJV has collaborated with TerraCycle, a company that specialises in the collection and reuse of non-recyclable post-consumer waste.

The recycled contact lenses, blister and foil packs will be turned into new products, such as outdoor furniture and plastic lumber

If you need a place to dispose of your contact lenses, please feel free to pop into our practice.