Take your old spectacles to your local optician and ask if they have a scheme for re-using glasses - most do. They will send them to third world countries.

For other options regarding spectacles, see our section on Looking After Your Eyes. 

Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Local councils should provide facilities for recycling energy efficient bulbs, as they are recyclable. Alternatively your supplier / lighing shop may take them back for recycling. These bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, as they are a type of fluorescent bulb (sometimes known as CFL - Compact Fluorescent Light).

Glass is in theory infinitely recyclable. it makes up around 8% of our rubbish, ye currently only around 35% of glass is recycled in the UK, compared to 80-90% in the rest of Europe. 587,000 tonnes were recycled in the UK in 2001. Glass banks are to be found in every town and city, often in supermarket car parks.