What to Do With Your Eclipse Glasses After April 8
April 8, 2024
Don’t throw away those glasses!
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse crossed North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.
A total solar eclipse won’t be visible again from the contiguous US until August 22, 2044, but totality will only occur over North Dakota and Montana, plus northern Canada. However, the next total solar eclipse with a coast-to-coast path spanning the Lower 48 states will occur on August 12, 2045. The next eclipse to reach Virginia won’t be until 2078.
Solar eclipse glasses typically can not be put with regular household recycling due to the mixed material nature of the glasses. Before you toss them in the trash, consider donating!
This October, an annular solar eclipse will be visible in South America, and a partial eclipse will be visible in South America, Antarctica, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, North America.
Eclipse Glasses USA accepts US-made paperboard glasses that have the manufacturer’s address and contact info and that bear the ISO logo. All others will be discarded due to liability and quality issues.
Lenses must be in good condition, without perforations, tears, or punctures that would allow radiation to penetrate through to the user’s eyes. Damaged lenses will be discarded.
All shipments will be opened and inspected before being repackaged for outbound shipment. Damaged or unusable glasses will be discarded.
Glasses can be shipped via USPS First-Class Mail (super inexpensive) in an envelope. For larger quantities, please consult your local post office for the most cost effective ways to ship.
