Now that the solar eclipse is over, what should do with your eclipse glasses? There are opportunities to donate them so that people, especially children, in other parts of the world can safely observe eclipses in the future.
There won’t be another solar eclipse (partial or total) visible from North Carolina until May 11, 2078, and eclipse glasses are only meant to be used for a few years, so you probably don’t need to hold onto them.
Astronomers Without Borders
Astronomers Without Borders collects used eclipse glasses and distributes eclipse glasses that are safe and in good condition to people around the globe who will be experiencing an annular or total solar eclipse.
You can drop them off at Warby Parker.
In the Triangle you’ll find Warby Parker at:
- 4154 Main at North Hills, Raleigh, NC
- 5 Fenton Main Street, Cary, NC
- 8030 Renaissance Parkway, Durham, NC
Eclipse Give Back
Eclipse Glasses USA works with other organizations to donate used by undamaged eclipse glasses to other countries with upcoming eclipses. More info here.
They accept only US-made paperboard glasses that have the manufacturer’s address and contact information, and the ISO logo.
If you have some that meet that standard, you can mail them to:
Eclipse Glasses USA, LLC
PO Box 50571
Provo, UT 84605
Recycling Eclipse Glasses
In most municipalities you should be able to recycle your cardboard eclipse glasses, but you should throw away the lenses first.
