Bausch + Lomb’s innovative One by One recycling program has now recycled more than one tonne of contact lenses, blister packs and top foils used in Australia.
The first contact lens recycling program of its kind, One by One was initially launched across the U.S in 2016, in collaboration with TerraCycle, a leader in collecting and repurposing hard-to-recycle post-consumer waste. The program aimed to “provide contact lens wearers a straightforward, simple solution to ensure that these used contact lens materials are properly recycled,” said John Ferris, general manager, U.S Vision Care, Bausch + Lomb.
The program relies on participants bringing their used contact lenses and packaging, from any brands, to any of the participating eye care professionals’ offices and placing them in the custom recycling bins provided. Once received by TerraCycle, the materials are recycled into post-consumer products.
“Contact lenses are one of the forgotten waste streams that are often overlooked due to their size and how commonplace they are in today’s society,” said Tom Szaky, CEO, TerraCycle. “It’s beneficial partnerships, like the one we enjoy with Bausch + Lomb, and ground-breaking initiatives, like the One by One Recycling Program, that drive awareness of the issue, elicit change in the consumer and lead to the preservation of our environment for future generations to come.”
For every kilogram of material recycled, AU$1 is donated to Optometry Giving Sight. A total of $1,500 has now been donated from recycling contributions in Australia.
