Around 20% of contact lens wearers flush them down the toilet or sink. However, soft, hard and hybrid contact lenses are all made from different types of plastic. That means that when they get flushed down our drains, they will create microplastics that then pollute our water supply. In turn, they're eaten by fish, which can harm the fish and also transfer potentially harmful chemicals into our food chain.

Therefore, you should always put used contact lenses in the bin or – ideally – recycle them. Just search online for your local drop off location or to find a postal recycling scheme.

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