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So, the eclipse happened. Now what to do with these blackout sunglasses?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible in Ohio will be in 2099. That’s a long time to hang onto a pair of paper sunglasses.

They can’t be put into a regular recycling bin because they’re two-in-one mixed materials: paper and film.

�鶹ӰԺ and Main Street �鶹ӰԺ are here to help solve this post-eclipse dilemma. After the eclipse, look for collection stations on campus and in downtown �鶹ӰԺ to drop off your eclipse glasses.

�鶹ӰԺ State and Main Street �鶹ӰԺ will then take the collected glasses to the Portage County Recycling Center. From there, they will be sent to Astronomers Without Borders, a group that distributes the eclipse glasses to underserved communities and schools around the world that are in the path of future eclipses.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Collecting these eclipse glasses is an exceptional expression of �鶹ӰԺ State’s core values and commitment to building a more sustainable future.

“�鶹ӰԺ State is always working to reduce waste,” said Melanie Knowles, manager of sustainability at �鶹ӰԺ State. “Donating your glasses for reuse is a great way to keep usable items out of the landfill. And it’s also an opportunity to help others around the world to view an eclipse safely, by passing along your eclipse glasses.”

Knowles is coordinating �鶹ӰԺ State’s eclipse glasses collection and recycling efforts and Edward Butch, a member of Main Street �鶹ӰԺ’s board of directors, is managing collection for the city of �鶹ӰԺ, through Main Street �鶹ӰԺ.

“It’s wonderful that this is happing during Earth Month when we’re already celebrating our planet and being especially conscious about our environment,” Knowles said.

“The eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people,” she said. “Passing on eclipse glasses through Astronomers Without Borders is an amazing way to feel a part of our planetary community.”

Later Collection Opportunities

If you miss the collections on campus and downtown, the Portage County Recycling Center, 3588 Mogadore Rd. in �鶹ӰԺ, will be accepting eclipse glasses for recycling through April 19. Their offices are open weekdays from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be a drop box in their office lobby.

WRITTEN BY: PHIL B. SOENCKSEN

PHOTO CREDIT: KENT STATE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING