Recycling of Hearing Aids and Glasses this Global Recycling Day 18 March 2023
Give the gift of hearing and sight through Can:Do Hearings new recycle program
Installations of recycle bins for hearing aids and prescription glasses will soon appear in all Can:Do Hearing Clinics.
In pursuing this activity, on Global Recycling Day (18 March) we wish to celebrate and recognise the importance of recycling in preserving primary resources and securing the future of our planet. However, at the Can:Do Group, we also know that since 1925, Lions International has been a champion in helping combat vision impairment and blindness, as well as a force in providing medical care and education to help prevent hearing loss.
We admire their dedication to a cause which is also close to our own mission.
Therefore, we are thrilled to have partnered with the City of Adelaide Lions Club within the Lions District 201C1 to increase their own impact through recycling efforts, by providing hearing aid and prescription glasses ‘drop off locations’ at all Can:Do Hearing clinics (the list of new locations is below this article) for the purpose of recycling or repurposing.
A hearing aid that is no longer being used by one, can make a big difference in someone else’s life.
Both hearing aids and prescription glasses are checked and sorted for consideration of re-purposing or recycling and there are a few channels that the Can:Do Group has access to, to ensure best outcomes. For example, someone who could not afford a hearing aid without a donation through a recycling program such as the ones offered through Lions International, will benefit.
Additionally, here in South Australia, we support the donations of hearing aids to the Da Costa Benevolent Fund program. Via this program, the donations of good quality, modern, behind-the-ear hearing aids are always welcome for low-income Health Care Card holders to access low cost or second-hand hearing aids. Louisa DaCosta died in 1898, however her gravestone in the Brighton cemetery UK bears the apt inscription “She hath dispersed abroad and hath given to the poor”. In the last 5 years her legacy has provided over $1.4m in assisting Public Patients here in South Australia. A report in the Observer of April 16th 1848 described Benjamin and his sister, Louisa as “an extremely quiet couple who delighted in doing good and without ostentation and who always manifested a deep interest in religious and philanthropic work”.
The City of Adelaide Lions says, “Hearing aids can make all the difference in (your) life; opening you up to more meaningful social interactions and a better quality of living. Rather than sitting in a draw gathering dust or being thrown in the bin, old hearing aids can be donated or recycled to benefit others. Repurposing hearing aids means you are doing your part for the planet as well as helping out those who don’t have the means to purchase new hearing devices. And don’t forget - unused hearing aid batteries may be donated along with your hearing aids.”
PlanetArk says, “Recycling batteries keeps toxic materials out of landfill where they can contaminate the soil and groundwater. It also ensures the valuable materials in batteries are recycled into the something new, which reduces the amount of finite natural resources used in the production of new batteries.”
Research shows that Australians care about the environment and know recycling is important, however with 200+ recycling labels in use, getting recycling right can be difficult.
Our aim at Can:Do Group is to provide the avenue for correct disposal of unwanted goods and technology such as the hearing aids (plus associated batteries if required) and prescription glasses.
City of Adelaide Lions
adelaidecitylions.org.au/hearing-aids
Petrea Stacey, Secretary E: secretary@adelaidecitylions.org.au
Da Costa Program
louisadacosta.com.au/louisa-dacosta-history/
Can:Do Group Dropoff Locations
North Adelaide
185 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide SA 5006
Adelaide
327 South Terrace, Adelaide 5000 SA
Blackwood
The Magnet Centre (Behind Woolworths)
Shop 5/10 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood SA 5051
Welland
59-61 Grange Road, Welland SA 5007
Noarlunga
Colonnades Shopping Centre
Burgess Drive, Noarlunga Centre SA 5168
