Why You Should Not Flush Your Contact Lens Down the Toilet or Sink

Wearing contact lenses comes with certain maintenance rules. You should also be aware of how you dispose of your lenses. It might seem like a small thing, but where you dispose of your contact lenses can have big consequences. "Can you flush contact lenses?" is a common question.

Most people think it’s okay to flush their lenses down the toilet or sink. After all, it’s just water, right? Wrong. Flushing your lenses down the toilet or sink can cause serious problems in your home and the environment.

Here’s why you should not flush your contact lenses down the toilet or sink:

1. It can clog your pipes

Contact lenses are made of plastic. When they’re flushed down the toilet or sink, they can end up clogging your pipes. Sure the lens may be small, but when it combines with other items that are flushed down the toilet or sink (like hair, for example), it can build up over time. This can lead to costly repairs and even cause your plumbing to back up.

2. It can pollute our water supply

When contact lenses are flushed down the toilet, they end up in our sewage system. From there, they can end up in our lakes, rivers, and oceans. This pollutes our water supply and harms the environment.

3. It can harm wildlife

Fish, turtles, and other aquatic animals can mistake microplastics (like contact lenses) for food. This can lead to them being choked or poisoned.

4. You misuse the toilet

Let’s face it, flushing your contact lenses down the toilet is just gross and misuse of those fixtures. It’s not something that you would want someone to do in your home, so why do it yourself?

The toilet is meant for human waste and toilet paper – nothing else. The same goes for your sink. Your sink is not a trash can.

Where Can I Discard Contact Lens?

So, where should you dispose of your contact lenses? The best way to dispose of them is in the garbage. It might seem like an inconvenience, but it’s the best way to ensure that they don’t end up causing problems for our environment.

Can I Recycle Contact Lenses?

Yes, your contact lenses are made of plastic and should be handled like other plastics. In order to recycle, remember to remove your contact lenses from their packaging and discard them in the garbage first.

Then, you can recycle the empty plastic lens blister packs and boxes in your mixed recycling bin. Contact lens cases can also be recycled in your mixed recycling bin, as long as they are empty.

In conclusion, if you wear contact lenses, make sure that you dispose of them properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or sink. This can cause serious problems for our environment.