Few eclipse glasses found in Leuven recycling bins; proper disposal advised

Most people seem to be holding onto their eclipse glasses after last week's partial solar eclipse, as waste collectors are finding very few in recycling bins. Ecowerf, which handles waste collection in the Hageland region and municipalities around Leuven, noted that their inspectors are seeing minimal numbers of eclipse glasses in paper and cardboard recycling.

"We suspect people are keeping their eclipse glasses for the next partial solar eclipse," said Machteld Vanden Bosch of Ecowerf. The company is reminding the public how to properly dispose of the glasses if they choose to discard them. The frames, typically made of paper or cardboard, can go with paper and cardboard recycling. However, the viewing lenses must be pushed out and disposed of as general waste, as they are not plastic packaging.

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We suspect people are keeping their eclipse glasses for the next partial solar eclipse.

Belgium witnessed a partial solar eclipse last week, with hundreds gathering at various locations to observe the phenomenon, which had not been visible in the region since the 1990s. Despite the initial shortage of glasses due to high demand, it appears many are choosing to preserve them for future celestial events. Another partial solar eclipse is scheduled for August 2 next year.

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The frames can be recycled with paper and cardboard, but the viewing lenses must be pushed out and disposed of as general waste.