The latest total eclipse has come and gone and some residents might now be wondering what to do with the protective eclipse glasses they used to safely watch the spectacle.
The next eclipse over the United States isn’t until 2044 and the next one expected to be visible in New Jersey isn’t until 2079. For residents who don’t want to hold onto their eclipse glasses that long, the Burlington County Commissioners and Department of Solid Waste and Recycling will be hosting a collection at the upcoming Burlington County Earth Fair on Sunday, April 21, at Historic Smithville Park.
From 11 AM to 4 PM, gently used and undamaged eclipse glasses can be dropped off at the event’s Recycling Tent for donation to Astronomers Without Borders, a nonprofit group that will store and redistribute them to locations around the globe where future eclipses will be visible.
Old, gently used prescription glasses, bifocals, readers and sunglasses will also be collected at the event for donation to the Lion’s Club for redistribution to low-income, visually impaired residents.
Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell was among the more than one hundred residents who watched the rare solar event at an eclipse party hosted by the Burlington County Library System and he encouraged residents to consider donating their used eyewear to the County’s collections.
“The eclipse was an exciting and memorable event for residents of all ages and we want to assist people in other destinations to safely experience the same wonder,” said O’Connell. “Astronomers Without Borders and the Lion’s Club are great organizations and these collections will ensure that the glasses we collect are redistributed appropriately. Repurposing these items will keep it out of our waste stream and save space in our County landfill.”
Solar eclipse glasses and other eyeglasses should not be discarded in curbside recycling containers and should be saved, donated or disposed of with garbage.
Besides the Earth Fair collection, unwanted solar eclipse glasses can also be donated to Astronomers Without Borders at area Warby Parker stores, including ones at the Sagemore shopping center off Route 73 in Evesham, and the Cherry Hill Mall.
In addition to the solar eclipse glasses and eyewear collections, the County will also be collecting unwanted reuseable bags, plastic film and bags, plastic flower pots and small electronics at the Earth Fair.
Plastic flower pots should be free of dirt and debris and will be collected near the Smithville Park entrance.
Unwanted reuseable bags should be clean and gently used. They will be collected in the Sustainable Living Tent and then donated to Farmers Against Hunger.
Plastic bags and film will be collected in the Recycling Tent. Acceptable items include clean, dry plastic wrap from water cases, dry cleaning bags, bubble wrap, air pillows and plastic shipping containers.
Electronics or e-waste will be collected in the Recycling Tent and include tablets, e-readers, cell phones, computer mice, power cords, ear buds, mp3 players and iPods. Large electronic items will not be accepted.
In addition to those collections, Earth Fair will feature presentations, performances and activities related to sustainability, recycling and environmental stewardship. There will be an artisan marketplace featuring upcycled and recycled goods, a pop-up nature center, blender bike smoothies, a puppet parade and kids activities, a plant swap, live music, food trucks and a beer garden.
“Earth Fair is the place to learn more about our natural world and things we can do to keep our planet green and sustainable, while also having fun,” said Commissioner Allison Eckel. “It’s one of our County’s premier parks events with something for everyone, and we’re thrilled it’s now going to serve as a location where our residents can now donate their eclipse glasses too.”