Prior to the solar eclipse, MyEyeDr., in partnership with Prevent Blindness, gave away expert-approved solar eclipse glasses in 438 offices across 20 states in the eclipse’s path of totality.

NEW YORK—Monday’s solar eclipse was a once-in-20-years natural phenomenon that left millions of Americans with a sense of wonder and excitement—and with a pair of eclipse glasses that they have no idea what to do with. With two decades to go until the next major eclipse here in North America, holding onto the protective glasses might not make sense (though, as USA Today reports, modern eclipse glasses don’t expire, according to the American Astronomical Society), but, thankfully, there are a few ways to recycle or repurpose eclipse glasses that are both sustainably-minded and helpful to others.

A few organizations are welcoming donations of used, but still in good condition, eclipse glasses. In particular, TIME reports that Astronomers Without Borders is accepting donations at Warby Parker locations. These glasses will be redistributed to people in other countries and continents experiencing eclipses soon. The Astronomers Without Borders website has a full and growing list of locations that are accepting donations, including libraries and museums.

ECPs who want to get involved can offer to collect donations from patients and the local community, and then bring these donations to an official site. To participate as a hub for collecting and vetting the glasses, ECPs can contact zoe@astronomerswithoutborders.org.

Eclipse Glasses USA is also accepting donations through August 1, NBC New York reports. ECPs can collect eclipse glasses from patients and community members and then send them to Eclipse Glasses USA, LLC P.O. Box 50571 Provo, UT 84605. Glasses donated through this program will be sent to schoolchildren in Latin America ahead of the October eclipse.

Finally, The University of Rochester reports that the carboard part of eclipse glasses can be recycled—just be sure the protective lenses are thrown out.

Look New Canaan, in New Canaan, Conn., is accepting donations of eclipse glasses. Patients who donate will save $25 on their next sunglass or eyewear purchase. Image via looknewcanaan on Instagram


Truffles the Kitty, who works at A Child’s Eyes in Mechanicsburg, Penn., encouraged followers to donate or recycle their eclipse glasses. Image via truffles_the_kitty on Instagram