J&B Recycling Knowledge

Did you manage to see the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026?

Hundreds of thousands of specialist eclipse glasses are thought to have been used across the UK as people prepared to watch the event safely. Although these glasses may look like they are made mainly from cardboard, they contain a combination of materials which means they should not be placed directly into a recycling bin.

So, what should you do with your eclipse glasses now that the event is over?

Can solar eclipse glasses be recycled?

Solar eclipse glasses cannot usually be recycled as one complete item because they are made from more than one material.

Most eclipse glasses include:

- A cardboard frame

- Specialist polymer solar-filter lenses

- Coatings, adhesives or laminated sections

The cardboard frame may be recyclable once it has been separated from the other components. However, the dark filter lenses are made from specialist plastic film which is unlikely to be accepted through normal household or mixed-recycling collections.

If complete eclipse glasses enter the recycling system, the different materials must be identified and separated during processing. Small pieces of plastic film may also be difficult for sorting equipment to capture effectively.

How to recycle eclipse glasses correctly

Before throwing your glasses away, consider whether they can be reused.

If they are undamaged, have been stored correctly and still meet the relevant safety standards, they may be suitable for a future eclipse. You could also check whether a school, astronomy group, museum or specialist organisation is accepting used glasses for educational activities or donation.

If you cannot find a suitable reuse or donation option, separate the different materials before disposal:

1. Carefully remove the solar-filter lenses from the cardboard frame.
2. Check that the cardboard is clean and does not contain any remaining plastic film, foil or laminated sections.
3. Place the clean cardboard frame in the appropriate paper and cardboard recycling collection.
4. Dispose of the filter lenses according to your local or waste provider’s guidance. Unless a specialist recycling or take-back scheme is available, these will usually need to enter the general waste stream.

Recycling arrangements can vary between different areas and waste providers, so always check the guidance for your collection service if you are unsure.

Why shouldn’t they go straight into your recycling bin?

Items made from a combination of materials are a common source of recycling contamination.

A product may look recyclable because its largest component is cardboard or plastic, but this does not mean the complete item can be processed through a standard mixed-recycling system.

At a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), recyclable waste passes through a series of mechanical and manual sorting processes. Materials including paper, cardboard, plastics, metals and glass are separated before being prepared for specialist reprocessing.

When incompatible materials remain attached, they can reduce the quality of the recovered recycling or require additional sorting. This is why separating materials at the point of disposal can make such a difference.

You can learn more about this process in our guide to what happens to your recycling.

Small seasonal items can create a large amount of waste

Industry estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of pairs were distributed or purchased before the August eclipse.

The top 20 best-selling eclipse-glasses products on Amazon reportedly accounted for approximately 152,600 pairs, although some were sold in multipacks. Go Stargazing founder Stuart Atkinson also reportedly imported 300,000 pairs, with around 100,000 distributed shortly before the event.

When large numbers of people purchase the same seasonal product within a short period, it can produce a sudden and easily overlooked waste stream after the event has finished.

Understanding what an item is made from before placing it in a bin helps prevent contamination and gives genuinely recyclable materials the best opportunity to be recovered.

J&B Recycling provides commercial waste and recycling collections for businesses across the North East and wider UK. Our team can help you identify suitable containers and collection arrangements for the different waste streams your organisation produces.

For more information about improving recycling within your workplace, contact our team or request a quote.

Solar eclipse glasses: frequently asked questions

Can eclipse glasses go in a recycling bin?

Complete eclipse glasses should not normally be placed directly into a recycling bin because the cardboard frames and plastic filter lenses are different materials. Separate the components first and check your local recycling guidance.

Are the black lenses recyclable?

The specialist polymer filter lenses are unlikely to be accepted through standard household or mixed-recycling collections. Look for a specialist take-back scheme or place them in general waste if advised by your local provider.

Can I recycle the cardboard frames?

Clean cardboard frames may be recyclable once all filter lenses, plastic film and other non-cardboard components have been completely removed.

Can eclipse glasses be reused?

Undamaged glasses may be kept for a future eclipse or donated to an appropriate astronomy or educational organisation. Always check their condition and safety certification before using them to view the sun again.

Why is separating the materials important?

Separating the cardboard from the filter lenses helps prevent contamination and allows the recyclable part of the glasses to enter the correct material stream.