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Apr 4

A Second Life for Solar Eclipse Glasses

What to do with your solar eclipse glasses after the big celestial event.


Solar Eclipse Glasses

As anticipation builds for the total solar eclipse sweeping across North America on Monday, April 8, many of us are planning how to view the once-in-a-lifetime event. Whether you are traveling far, gathering for a community watch party or taking in the stellar experience from your backyard, incorporate a plan for your glasses when the day is done. Here are some ways to ensure that important protective eyewear steers clear of the landfill. 


Donate for Reuse


Check locally for a donation program collecting solar eclipse glasses for a good cause. Donation drop-off opportunities may be available through your solid waste management provider, park system, public library, local organizations or immediately following a solar eclipse viewing event. These are two initiatives to look out for in your area: 


  • Astronomers Without Borders (AWB), a charitable organization, is working with partners across the U.S. to collect gently-used solar eclipse glasses to distribute to schools in underserved communities around the world. Following the 2017 American solar eclipse, the initiative provided tens of thousands of solar eclipse glasses to educators and children in South America, Asia and Africa.


The Astronomers Without Borders website lists some drop-off locations, including a national partnership with retailer Warby Parker who will offer donation drop-offs at their 240+ locations through April 30. But don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a site offered near you. The list is growing, says an AWB spokesperson. Small organizations with limited capacity may not be listed, and larger partners will continue to be added. AWB recommends checking back often. 


  • Utah-based Eclipse Glasses USA has also launched an "Eclipse Glasses Give-Back Program," which invites individuals and organizations to donate undamaged eclipse glasses to be sent to schools in Chile and Argentina where a solar eclipse will occur in October 2024. The new program is working with cities around the U.S. to collect donations. If a donation program is not available around you, consider contacting them for instructions on how to send in your donations directly.


Since each community may have different opportunities, it’s best to check what’s available in your area. Donation is only viable if the glasses are in good order, so remember to treat your pair with care. (Below are some additional donation sites around Ohio.)


Keep Glasses for Future Use

 

If the solar-eclipse viewing glasses were acquired recently and meet the proper safety requirements, chances are they are reusable in the future. To store for future events, inspect your glasses after use checking for defects, holes or scratches. If they are in good condition, protect them from damage by storing them somewhere flat, dark and free of moisture. Read the fine print on the back to determine the manufacturer’s guidelines on how long they are safe to use. 


A Note About Recycling


Solar eclipse glasses are made from mixed materials, including some materials that cannot be recycled in curbside programs. The solid waste districts I have checked with do not accept them for recycling and say it’s best to give them a second life by donating them to someone else who can use them. 


Whatever you choose to do with your solar eclipse glasses following Monday’s big event, help to spread the word to friends and family about options beyond the trash can. Donation is a worthwhile way to make them a little more sustainable. 


—Jill Span Hofbauer


Donation drop-off opportunities around Ohio:



Know of any other donation drop-offs in Ohio? Please share!






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