What to do with your eclipse glasses after the spectacle

Millions witnessed mainland Europe's first total solar eclipse in over 25 years on Wednesday, sparking a UK-wide scramble for eclipse glasses amidst shortages. Now, owners face the question: what next? Dr Renee Tonkin of Science Owl calls eclipse glasses a prime example of single-use culture, given their mixed materials make recycling difficult. Recycle Now advises separating cardboard frames (recyclable) from non-recyclable lenses. Three options emerge:

1. **Keep for Future Eclipses**: A 2027 total solar eclipse (visible from southern Spain, northern Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula) and a 2028 partial eclipse in the UK make retention sensible, provided glasses are stored safely to preserve lens coatings.

2. **Repurpose for Photography**: Cut and mount the solar filter over a camera lens for safe sunspot photography, though Dr Ed Bloomer of the Royal Observatory Greenwich warns of UV exposure risks and potential phone sensor damage (per Nasa guidance).

3. **Recycle Frames**: Cardboard parts can be recycled if separated from lenses.

Dr Bloomer notes the 2027 eclipse, lasting 6 minutes and 23 seconds, will be the longest on land since 1991, but the UK won’t be affected. However, upcoming UK eclipses justify keeping certified glasses. Science Owl encourages creative reuse of waste materials, including a challenge for kids.