Bausch + Lomb Contact Lens Recycling Programs Makes Significant Strides

NEW YORK—Bausch + Lomb announced earlier this month that its exclusive One by One Recycling Program has recycled a combined total of more than five million units of used contact lenses, blister packs and top foils since the program’s inception in November 2016. The program is made possible through a collaboration with TerraCycle, a company that collects and repurposes hard-to-recycle post-consumer waste. Bausch + Lomb and TerraCycle said they have diverted nearly 31,000 pounds of used contact lenses, blister packs and top foils to date, the equivalent of approximately two and a half times the weight of an elephant, from oceans, lakes, streams and landfills. “In two years, we’ve made significant strides in raising awareness and collecting used contact lens material waste through the Bausch + Lomb One by One Recycling Program across the nation,” said John Ferris, general manager, U.S. vision care, Bausch + Lomb. “It is a reflection of our company-wide commitment to becoming a more sustainable company by reducing our environmental footprint and we thank all our customers and their patients for their participation. We’ve also been pleased to hear that this program has been a practice builder for many of our customers who find their patients appreciate their concern and attention to how these materials are impacting the environment.”