The region is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. However, as with any large event, waste is inevitable. The Ottawa Sandusky Seneca Solid Waste District is delighted to announce a collaboration to make the eclipse more eco-friendly by recycling eclipse glasses.
In a true spirit of community collaboration, OSS is working with local agencies, businesses, and government offices to celebrate this celestial event while promoting sustainability. The focus of this partnership is on collecting eclipse-viewing glasses for reuse and recycling. From April 8th to April 18th, designated collection boxes will be available at numerous local offices for individuals to drop off their solar eclipse glasses.
Beyond the eclipse itself, the goal of this partnership is to harness the excitement around the total solar eclipse to highlight the broader impact of sustainability. As visitors flock to the area to witness this natural wonder, we aim to ensure that both residents and guests leave a positive environmental mark.
If you are hosting a community eclipse watch party you can also request a collection box for your event by contacting Tim Hassinger at [email protected] or 419-334-7222 ext 3. All returned glasses will be gathered and assessed by OSS staff, with those in good condition being either donated or recycled.
Tim Hassinger, the Communications and Outreach Specialist at Ottawa Sandusky Seneca Solid Waste District, expressed enthusiasm for this collaborative effort, emphasizing the importance of environmental consciousness during this celestial event “It's easy to forget the beauty that surrounds us daily, but while we marvel at the total solar eclipse with the moon obscuring the sun over 250,000 miles away, let's pause to admire our Earth and the wonders unfolding right in our own backyard. As we witness the celestial spectacle above, let's also remember to cherish and protect the precious world we call home.”
Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to recycle their solar eclipse glasses at any of our participating groups. For the full list of partnering groups visit RecycleOSS.org/solar-eclipse-glasses-recycling/ to find the drop box closest to you.