Most people toss out empty pill bottles without a second thought, but these small, durable containers can be surprisingly useful around the house. Instead of adding more plastic waste to landfills, consider these 12 creative and practical ways to reuse them.
- Mini First-Aid Kit Keep a few bandages, alcohol wipes, and pain relievers inside a pill bottle for an easy-to-carry emergency kit. Perfect for purses, glove compartments, or travel bags.
- Portable Sewing Kit Store a few needles, thread, buttons, and safety pins inside a bottle for quick repairs on the go. It’s a great addition to your travel essentials.
- Spare Change Holder Toss your loose coins into a pill bottle to keep them organized. Keep one in your car for tolls or meters, or stash it in your bag for emergency cash.
- Earbud Storage Prevent your earbuds from getting tangled by storing them in a pill bottle. It keeps them clean, safe, and easy to find in your bag.
- Matchstick Waterproof Case If you enjoy camping or hiking, store matchsticks in a pill bottle with a striker glued to the lid. This will keep them dry and ready for use in any weather.
- Travel-Size Toiletries Fill empty pill bottles with small amounts of lotion, shampoo, or conditioner for short trips. They’re compact, leak-proof, and TSA-approved for flights.
- DIY Mini Flashlight Turn a pill bottle into a small emergency flashlight by inserting a mini LED light and battery. Perfect for power outages or camping trips.
- Seed Storage for Gardening Keep your leftover seeds dry and organized by storing them in labeled pill bottles. The airtight seal helps preserve their freshness for the next planting season.
- Homemade Spice Containers Use cleaned pill bottles to store small amounts of spices or herbs. Label them and bring them along for picnics, camping, or outdoor cooking.
- Medication Organizer If you take multiple vitamins or medications, reuse old pill bottles to pre-sort your daily doses for travel or convenience.
- DIY Toothpick Dispenser Drill a small hole in the lid and fill the bottle with toothpicks for an easy dispenser. Great for lunchboxes or picnics.
- Craft Supply Storage Store beads, buttons, glitter, or other small craft supplies inside empty pill bottles to keep them neat and prevent spills.
Before reusing pill bottles, make sure to clean them thoroughly with warm, soapy water and remove any labels to maintain privacy. With a little creativity, these tiny containers can serve countless purposes, reducing waste while keeping your home organized. So next time you finish a prescription, think twice before tossing out the bottle—you might just find a clever new way to use it!
