Before reusing old pill bottles, make sure they are clean, empty, and free of any medication residue. Remove or cover personal information on labels to protect your privacy. Avoid using them for anything that could be confused with medicine, especially around children.
12 clever ways to reuse old pill bottles
- Travel-size containers
- Store small items like cotton swabs, hair ties, jewelry, or small toiletries.
- Emergency sewing kit
- Keep needles, thread, buttons, and tiny scissors together.
- Small craft supply holder
- Store beads, buttons, sequins, or other small craft pieces.
- Cord and cable organizer
- Wrap up earbuds or charging cables to keep them from tangling.
- Car emergency container
- Hold spare change, a small flashlight battery, or emergency items (clearly labeled).
- Garden seed storage
- Use clean bottles to store small amounts of seeds in a dry place.
- Travel jewelry case
- Protect rings, earrings, and necklaces while traveling.
- Mini first-aid organizer
- Store items like bandages or alcohol wipes (do not put medications back in unlabeled containers).
- Small hardware storage
- Keep screws, nails, washers, or small tools organized.
- Paint or craft supply container
- Store small amounts of beads, glitter, or other materials.
- Homemade shaker container
- With a secure lid, use it for craft powders or small non-food materials.
- DIY storage for drawers
- Organize clips, pins, small batteries, or office supplies.
A few safety reminders:
- Don’t reuse pill bottles for food, drinks, spices, or anything edible unless they are specifically designed and cleaned for that purpose.
- Keep reused bottles away from children and pets.
- Consider recycling them if you no longer need them—many pharmacies offer pill bottle recycling programs.
