So, the eclipse happened. Now what to do with these blackout sunglasses?
The next total solar eclipse that will be visible in Ohio will be in 2099. That’s a long time to hang onto a pair of paper sunglasses.
They can’t be put into a regular recycling bin because they’re two-in-one mixed materials: paper and film.
Kent State University and Main Street Kent are here to help solve this post-eclipse dilemma. After the eclipse, look for collection stations on campus and in downtown Kent to drop off your eclipse glasses.
Kent State and Main Street Kent will then take the collected glasses to the Portage County Recycling Center. From there, they will be sent to Astronomers Without Borders, a group that distributes the eclipse glasses to underserved communities and schools around the world that are in the path of future eclipses.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Collecting these eclipse glasses is an exceptional expression of Kent State’s core values and commitment to building a more sustainable future.
“Kent State is always working to reduce waste,” said Melanie Knowles, manager of sustainability at Kent State. “Donating your glasses for reuse is a great way to keep usable items out of the landfill. And it’s also an opportunity to help others around the world to view an eclipse safely, by passing along your eclipse glasses.”
Knowles is coordinating Kent State’s eclipse glasses collection and recycling efforts and Edward Butch, a member of Main Street Kent’s board of directors, is managing collection for the city of Kent, through Main Street Kent.
“It’s wonderful that this is happing during Earth Month when we’re already celebrating our planet and being especially conscious about our environment,” Knowles said.
“The eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people,” she said. “Passing on eclipse glasses through Astronomers Without Borders is an amazing way to feel a part of our planetary community.”
Later Collection Opportunities
If you miss the collections on campus and downtown, the Portage County Recycling Center, 3588 Mogadore Rd. in Kent, will be accepting eclipse glasses for recycling through April 19. Their offices are open weekdays from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be a drop box in their office lobby.
WRITTEN BY: PHIL B. SOENCKSEN
PHOTO CREDIT: KENT STATE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING