Abstract
Purpose
To examine the annualised waste and end-of-life disposal options with two representative
soft contact lens (CL) modalities.
Methods
The component parts of two representative soft CL modalities were catalogued, separated,
weighed and inspected for material identification: somofilcon A soft CLs (clariti
elite, CooperVision Inc.) used with multi-purpose solution (MPS) (All in one Light,
CooperVision Inc.) and somofilcon A CLs (clariti 1 day, CooperVision Inc). Using a
model that assumed compliant wear and care of CLs, the mass of material solid waste
generated by CL use over a year was calculated. Disposal options were explored using
household and specialist recycling streams in order to develop recommendations for
responsible disposal of CL waste.
Results
Full-time daily disposable (DD) CL wear generates 1.06 kg of waste annually compared
to 0.83 kg generated by reusable-monthly replacement daily wear (‘reusable’) CLs.
Plastic was the dominant material in both modalities. With full-time use of DD CLs,
64% of waste by mass was plastic blister trays. For full-time use of reusable CLs,
where figures from lens and MPS packaging are combined, plastics accounted for 67%
of waste by mass. MPS bottles alone made up almost half the waste (45%) associated
with full-time reusable CL wear.
Conclusion
Full-time DD wear generates 27% more waste annually than full-time reusable lens wear.
Reusable CL wearers can recycle 78% of waste at home. DD lens wearers have access
to recycling options that allow them to recycle 100% of CL related waste. Full-time
CL lens wear represents just 0.20–0.26% of the 412 kg of household waste generated
per person, per year in the United Kingdom. Worn CLs should never be disposed of down
the sink or lavatory. CL wearers should be aware of responsible end-of-life recycling
and disposal options for all CL waste.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 11, 2021
Accepted:
March 7,
2021
Received in revised form:
February 17,
2021
Received:
December 7,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
