Recycling Initiatives

Lions fulfill the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle environmental message by reducing landfill debris through reuse or recycling.

 

Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. Recycling can benefit your community and the environment.

 

Benefits of Recycling

• Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators.
• Conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals.
• Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to collect new raw materials.
• Saves energy.
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change.
• Helps sustain the environment for future generations.
• Helps create new well-paying jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United State.

 

Used Eyeglasses

 

The collection of eyeglasses for recycling is an ongoing, year‐round program involving Lions throughout North Carolina.  Reusable plastic frame glasses are sent to a Lions Recycling Center where they are cleaned, tested, classified and sent abroad to medical missions and welfare agencies for redistribution.  Metal frame glasses and scrap metal are sold to a refinery, and the redeemed cash is used to help fund the needs of the visually impaired.

 

Hearing Aids

 

Lions accept donations of old hearing aids.  Any make or model, regardless of age, can be donated.  The donated hearing aids are sold for salvage value, and the proceeds are used to support the deaf blind retreat held at Camp Dogwood each year.

 

Magnifiers and Low Vision Aids

 

In partnership with the NC Assistive Technology Program the Lions are promoting the donation of used magnification devices. These items will be loaned for as long as needed, free of charge, to any individual who could benefit from such devices due to low vision.

 

 

The Need for Glasses is Great

According to the World Health Organization, 153 million people suffer from uncorrected refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Many of these vision impairments can be quickly diagnosed and easily treated with corrective lenses.

Nevertheless, millions of individuals worldwide are thrust deeper into poverty simply because they lack access to glasses. Education becomes a challenge without clear vision, and productivity in the workforce declines due to visual impairment. For children, clear vision is essential for better education, healthier development, and improved quality of life. For adults, it enhances employment opportunities and economic strength. Seniors benefit from clear vision through increased independence.

The North Carolina Lions collect over 170,000 pairs of eyeglasses annually to address this need, making eyeglass recycling one of their most notable activities.

Recycling Program

Volunteers gather used eyeglasses and deliver them to the North Carolina Lions Foundation at Camp Dogwood. At this facility, volunteers clean, sort by prescription strength, and package the glasses. Most recycled glasses are then distributed to individuals in need within developing countries, where they will have the greatest impact. It is important to note that only the eyeglasses themselves are recycled; eyeglasses cases are not reused.

NORTH CAROLINA LIONS’ FOUNDATION Recycling Programs include:

Hearing Aids: Donations of old hearing aids are accepted, regardless of make, model, or age. The donated hearing aids are sold for salvage value, and proceeds support the deaf/blind retreat held annually at Camp Dogwood.

Cell Phones: Donors must remove covers and batteries before donating cell phones. Only button batteries (flat watch style of all sizes) are accepted. No cases or accessories are accepted.

Glasses: The collection of eyeglasses is an ongoing, year-round program involving Lions throughout North Carolina. Reusable plastic frame glasses are sent to a Lions Recycling Center where they are cleaned, evaluated, classified, and redistributed abroad to medical missions and welfare agencies. Metal frame glasses and scrap metal are sold to refineries, with redeemed cash used to fund services for the visually impaired. Contacts, cases, and loose lenses are not accepted.

Magnifiers and Low Vision Aids: In partnership with the NC Assistive Technology Program, Lions promote the donation of used magnification devices. These items are loaned for as long as needed, free of charge, to individuals who could benefit from such devices due to low vision.

If you send glasses via USPS to NCLF, please mail them to:

7062 Camp Dogwood Drive,

Sherrills Ford, NC 28673.

Postage receipts should be given to the Treasurer for reimbursement.

Drop-off Locations:

• Fuquay Eye Care - FV
• Thomas Funeral Home – FV
• Walmart - FV
• Family Optical - FV
• Fuquay Ophthalmology Glaucoma - FV
• Johnson Optometric Associates – FV
• Walmart - Garner Route, 42
• My Eye Dr - Clayton Route, 70
• Sam's Club - Raleigh – Route 401N
• Saint Bernadette Church – FV
• Hearing Life – FV
• Cleveland Draft House - FV
• My Eye Dr - Angier
• Fuquay Varina Chamber of Commerce
• Clarity Vision - 5225 Sunset Lake Rd, Holly Springs, NC 27540

These locations represent key points of connection within the community, offering diverse services ranging from healthcare and retail to social engagement. Each destination serves a unique purpose, enriching the daily lives of residents while fostering local growth and collaboration.

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