Rethink Optical Waste: Recycle Contact Lens Packs with Opticycle

In the world of optics, waste management isn’t just a challenge—it’s an opportunity to redefine what’s possible. At the core of Opticycle’s mission is a deep-seated commitment to challenging the status quo and pioneering innovative solutions for niche waste streams. Founded by The Activ Group and PanelCycle, Opticycle was conceived to meet the specific needs of the optical industry, offering a seamless, end-to-end recycling solution for everything from contact lens packaging to frames and lenses.

While Ecoactiv is widely recognised for its leading efforts in e-waste recycling, our ambitions stretch far beyond electronics. Through Opticycle, we’re reimagining how optical waste is managed—going beyond traditional methods to ensure these materials are responsibly recycled and reintegrated into the circular economy. Strategic partnerships with leading optical providers, such as Specsavers, have been pivotal in turning this vision into reality. Together, we’ve already diverted tonnes of eyewear materials from landfills, underscoring the transformative power of dedicated recycling programs. Opticycle’s mission is multifaceted: to capture and recycle all optical waste comprehensively, provide easy access for Australians, prevent landfill accumulation, and forge strong, sustainable relationships within the optical sector.

The Mounting Challenge of Optical Waste

As we grapple with the mounting crisis of plastic waste, it’s easy to overlook the smaller contributors that cumulatively create a massive impact. Among these are optical products—contact lens cases, frames, and lenses—that are often discarded without a second thought. In Australia alone, between 250 to 500 million contact lens cases are discarded every year. These seemingly insignificant items, made from a complex mix of materials, are notoriously difficult to recycle through traditional methods. Left unchecked, they contribute to the broader issue of plastic pollution, lingering in our environment for centuries and posing significant risks to ecosystems.

The Need for a Specialised Recycling Program for the Optical Industry

Recycling optical products presents unique challenges that conventional recycling facilities simply aren’t equipped to handle. The diverse mix of materials found in contact lens cases, glasses, and lenses demands a specialised approach—one that goes beyond traditional methods. That’s where Opticycle steps in, offering Australia’s only dedicated recycling program tailored specifically to the optical industry.

Customers today are increasingly seeking genuine recycling solutions that are both effective and convenient. Opticycle has made it their mission to meet this demand by providing a comprehensive service that caters to the needs of both businesses and individuals. Through pioneering partnerships, such as with National Pharmacies, they offer collection boxes that can be placed in optometry practices, allowing customers to easily deposit their used contact lens cases, glasses, and lenses. This not only facilitates recycling but also aligns with customer behaviour, making it easier for them to participate in sustainable practices.

For individuals, Opticycle provides the flexibility of ordering collection satchels directly from the Ecoactiv website. These satchels can be used to gather optical products at home and conveniently sent back to us for recycling. Our goal is to continuously expand the program, ensuring that it remains accessible and adaptable to the needs of all Australians, whether they prefer a drop-off solution or a home-based approach.

Transforming Optical Waste: The Opticycle Recycling Process

Opticycle maintains full transparency and traceability throughout the recycling process, utilising advanced recycling technology within Australia.

Contact Lenses

Upon arrival, contact lens cases are carefully weighed, logged, and manually sorted to remove contaminants, preserving the integrity of our recycling streams. The cases are then shredded into finer particles, allowing for efficient separation of materials. The aluminium is repurposed into deoxidant pucks for the steelmaking industry, while the polypropylene plastic is transformed into durable pots and other practical products.

Eyeglasses

The recycling process for eyeglasses follows a similar meticulous approach. Frames and lenses are sorted and separated, with materials carefully processed to ensure maximum recovery. The combination of lenses and frames is creatively repurposed into unique benchtop sheets, while excess plastics are recycled into sustainable building materials such as bricks and blocks. Metals from the frames are sent to refineries for further processing and reuse.

Why Opticycle Leads the Way in Optical Product Recycling

Opticycle stands out as Australia’s premier solution for recycling optical products. As the first program to provide a full recycling solution for contact lens waste in Australia, Opticycle has set the standard for the industry. Unlike other programs that may simply collect waste, Opticycle ensures full transparency and traceability throughout the entire recycling process. Every step, from collection to material recovery, occurs within Australia, reducing the carbon footprint and ensuring that all materials are processed responsibly. Opticycle’s commitment to innovative recycling technology and its focus on the optical industry make it the leader in transforming optical waste into valuable resources, helping to create a sustainable future.

Be Part of Australia’s Optical Waste Solution with Opticycle

Joining the movement to reduce optical waste with Opticycle is both simple and impactful. Whether at home or in the workplace, taking part is as easy as:

1 – Purchase an Opticycle Recycling Satchel: Available through the Ecoactiv shop, these satchels are designed to hold up to 350 contact lens cases.

2 – Collect Your Contact Lens Cases: Fill the satchel with your empty contact lens cases.

3 – Drop Off the Satchel: Once full, simply drop the satchel off at your nearest Australia Post box. Postage is already included, making the process hassle-free.

Join Ecoactiv and Opticycle in our mission to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices across Australia.