A Lanarkshire optician has helped to launch a recycling scheme which will see customers’ old glasses contact lenses and transformed into new-look items ranging from benches to play-park equipment.
Specsavers has teamed up with recycling firm My Group to install free collection boxes at all its Scottish branches, including its 11 locations across Lanarkshire.
Airdrie and Coatbridge branches retail director Ewan Grieve was among the senior staff working to have the scheme implemented, after repeated requests from customers.
Customers will be able to recycle metal and plastic glasses and sunglasses, contacts lenses and accessories including blister packs, cases, tweezers and solution bottles.
Full collection bins will be sent for processing into recycled board which can then be used to create furniture, home and garden accessories, including benches and play park equipment; as well as providing an alternative to plywood for use in the building trade.
The repurposed board itself can also then be recycled multiple times.
Ewan told Lanarkshire Live: “We know that people want to be able to recycle eyecare products, so we’re really pleased to be able to meet our customers’ needs in this important way.
“We’re striving to improve what we do to protect the planet and sustainability is at the core of our plan for the future; by offering this service we’re making it easier than ever for customers to play their part.”
My Group representative Michael Derbyshire added: “We’re delighted to be working with Specsavers and helping provide an in-store solution for difficult-to-recycle waste.
"This will allow customers to recycle material that would have previously been destined for landfill or incineration by turning them into a range of useful products.”
Specsavers also has Lanarkshire branches in Motherwell, Wishaw, Hamilton, Larkhall, Bellshill, East Kilbride, Rutherglen, Lanark and Cumbernauld.
The recycling programme does not include glasses cases, which are “made of lots of component parts and are not practical to recycle at the moment,” or lens cloths.
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
