Do you spend a lot of time – too much time – thinking about recycling? Is the main thing you think: it shouldn’t be this hard? You’re probably among the Americans overwhelmingly support recycling (87%), but inconsistent rules and limited infrastructure are leaving many—especially Gen Zs and Millennials—confused and overwhelmed about doing it correctly. And as a contact lens wearer, recycling your contact lenses and their packaging comes under the bracket of challenging-but-there-must-be-a-way.
We understand how frustrating it is when you want to do the right thing when it comes to recycling your contact lenses. We know that if you could recycle your contact lenses, you would. Things are changing, though.
Here’s what we’re doing to create environmentally friendly contact lenses that don’t cost the earth.
- Our revolutionary INPAC packaging system reduces consumer plastic waste by up to 65% compared with our competitors, making us the most sustainable option.
- All our packaging is recyclable.
- Our lenses are designed and manufactured in the UK, so they have a low carbon footprint.
- You can reduce your shopping carbon footprint at checkout for free.
- We advise you on how best to dispose of your lenses.
Are contact lenses biodegradable?
In a nutshell: no. There are no biodegradable contact lenses on the market. Our contact lenses are made from hydrogel, a type of plastic. Science hasn’t yet developed a fully biodegradable version of this material.
At daysoft®, we’re constantly innovating and known for breaking new ground. After all, our chairman, Ron Hamilton, invented daily disposables and built the world’s first lab dedicated to producing them.
Are contact lenses recyclable?
Like other manufacturers, our lenses aren’t recyclable—yet. However, our lenses are 58% water. Once used, the water evaporates, leaving a small amount of plastic. This reduces plastic waste in landfills and oceans, making daysoft® a more environmentally conscious choice. Everything else is recyclable. Here’s how we’re addressing contact lens recycling.
Plastic blisters
Our plastic blisters are Group 5 PP – polypropylene. Due to our manufacturing process using INPAC® Technology, we cannot include the recycling symbol on the blister.
Polypropylene is recyclable, but check with your local recycling facility to confirm acceptance.
Foil tops, cardboard boxes, and outer postal box
These can all be recycled with your regular household waste.
What else are you doing to be environmentally friendly?
At daysoft®, we’re committed to sustainability. We're not just greenwashing — we're actively reducing plastic waste and lowering our carbon footprint.
For example, all plastic byproducts from our manufacturing process are sent to a leading UK recycling company to be reused in coloring plastics or in construction products.
INPAC technology cuts down on plastic waste
daysoft®’s INPAC packaging dramatically reduces plastic waste.
How? Our innovative INPAC® Technology uses up to 65% less plastic per lens compared to other producers. Most manufacturers use a blister bowl that weighs about 1.30g, while our INPAC® blister weighs around 0.45g per lens.
Why? Because the lens is formed entirely in the pack!
So… imperfections are avoided, and hygiene is improved since the lens is never handled. A small cavity in the INPAC® blister holds the dry lens. It then absorbs saline, expands, and becomes a super-soft daysoft® lens.
Manufacturing process reduces waste and upcycles byproduct
Our manufacturing process uses two molds instead of three. One mold forms, hydrates, and becomes the pack—cutting down waste. This reduces plastic use by 50% versus our previous process and results in lenses with about one-third less plastic than others.
We recycle all byproducts on-site, and because our lenses are made in the UK, they generate fewer emissions than lenses shipped from overseas.
Shop Pay purchase option invests in the planet
You can reduce carbon emissions when you buy your lenses using Shop Pay. This checkout service calculates delivery emissions and offsets them by planting or protecting trees.
It’s a no-cost way to support the planet. Learn more about Shop Pay’s environmental impact here.
How should I dispose of my contact lenses?
Since contact lenses aren't biodegradable or recyclable yet, what's the safest way to dispose of them? 20% of users flush their lenses, which adds to microplastic pollution in waterways.
Our advice: throw them in your household trash. While landfill isn’t perfect, it’s better than polluting oceans and rivers. Landfill is a controlled environment where plastic is less likely to cause harm to marine life.
Daysoft's commitment to the planet
daysoft® is dedicated to reducing plastic pollution. We’re actively fighting climate change, preserving natural resources, and cutting waste. Join us! Order as needed or check out our subscription service. Save more when you order several months in advance—just follow three easy steps to get started.
