Eclipse glasses are an essential piece of eclipse-viewing gear, as you should never, ever look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. But once the moment has passed and you no longer need said glasses (the next total eclipse across North America isn’t until 2044), don’t simply toss them in the trash. Instead, consider donating for future use.
Where to donate eclipse glasses
There are several organizations that are collecting used, undamaged eclipse glasses, which will be recycled and donated to communities around the world for upcoming eclipses. Astronomers Without Borders, a nonprofit, has collection sites in several locations across the path of totality:
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Fort Wayne, IN: Vessel Refinery FW
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Toledo, OH: Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful
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Twinsburg, OH: Twinsburg Public Library
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Norwich, VT: Montshire Museum of Science
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South Burlington, VT: Chittenden Solid Waste District
You can also drop used eclipse glasses off at any Warby Parker retail store before April 30.
Another organization, Eclipse Glasses USA, is accepting glasses by mail at Eclipse Glasses USA, LLC, P.O. Box 50571, Provo, Utah, 84605. You have until August 1 to send your glasses in, after which they will be donated to schools in Latin America for the October 2024 annular eclipse.
Note that gently used glasses must be free of scratches, punctures, and tears.
If your glasses are damaged and cannot be donated, you can recycle the arms. However, the lenses must be thrown away.
