Got piles of empty pill bottles? Here are 15 smart ways to reuse them and keep them from piling up in the trash.

More than 64 percent of Americans are on one or more prescription medications. In 2022, over 4.7 billion prescriptions were filled, which means a lot of plastic waste to manage!

Pill bottles are typically made from number five plastic (polypropylene or PP), the same material used for yogurt containers and many food-safe, reusable items. You can identify this type of plastic by looking for the number 5 inside the recycling symbol on the bottom of the container. These plastics are lightweight, durable, temperature-resistant, and keep contents dry.

These plastics take years to decompose, and as they break down, they release harmful chemicals and methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to environmental damage.

If you're one of the many people with empty pill bottles cluttering your home, you may be wondering what to do with them. While recycling is an option — some cities offer curbside recycling programs for number five plastics — there are also many practical ways to reuse these durable, airtight containers.

Here are 15 creative ways to repurpose your empty pill bottles:

1. Kid-safe Storage

One of the best features of pill bottles is that they’re specifically designed to be child-resistant. This makes them perfect for storing items you'd rather keep out of reach from curious little hands — like razor blades, push pins, medicine, or even your secret stash of M&Ms.

2. Storage for Seeds

One of the key benefits of pill bottles is their ability to keep medications dry. If you're into gardening, these containers make perfect moisture-resistant storage for your dried seeds, ensuring they stay safe and don't spoil during the winter. Pill bottles are also great for storing any small items that need to stay dry.

3. Storage for Hair Accessories

Bobby pins, hair ties, and barrettes tend to get scattered all over your home, car, or purse. Fortunately, pill bottles are just the right size for these tiny hair accessories, which means you can finally stop living in a sea of misplaced hair clips and elastics.

4. Emergency Cash Holder

Pill bottles are small, discreet, and tinted, making them ideal for hiding in various spots. U.S. quarters fit perfectly inside a standard prescription bottle, so you’ll always have spare change for parking meters, vending machines, or laundromats. You can even stuff a rolled-up bill of cash in there for emergencies.

5. Hidden Key Storage

Your house key fits neatly inside a pill bottle that you can stash in various hiding spots around your home. If you're feeling creative, you can glue a small rock to the top of the bottle and bury it in your garden, making it blend in with the surroundings. Who needs to buy a key hiding rock?

6. Travel-Size Toiletry Bottles

When traveling by plane, TSA regulations dictate that any liquids, gels, or creams must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100.6 milliliters). A typical prescription pill bottle is perfect for holding enough shampoo, peanut butter, or lotion to get you through airport security and your entire trip.

7. Emergency Survival Kit

Although no one expects to get lost in the wilderness, there may be times when you find yourself in a tight spot. A small pill bottle survival kit can easily fit into a daypack and might be just what you need to get out safely. Fill it with essentials like a button compass, needle and thread, Band-Aids, matches, and a razor blade. You can even wrap some twine or duct tape around the outside for extra practicality.

8. Q-Tip Organizer

Cotton swabs fit perfectly inside a prescription pill bottle. It's always so satisfying when everything lines up just right, isn’t it?

9. Compact First Aid Kit

Similar to a survival kit, a compact first aid kit can easily fit into your purse, car glove compartment, backpack, or even your jacket pocket. Pack it with essentials like Band-Aids, alcohol wipes, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or antihistamines, small packets of hydrocortisone or antibiotic ointments. You can also include nitrile gloves, clean gauze, or even use it as a mini ice pack.

10. Travel Jewelry Organizer

Traveling with jewelry? Prescription pill bottles are the perfect way to keep your earrings, necklaces, and rings all in one neat place while on vacation.

11. Workshop Storage Containers

For any crafting project, from sewing to woodworking to beading, pill bottles serve as excellent organizers for your workbench. Use them to store pins, screws, beads, or any small materials or tools. If you prefer, you can even glue the lids to a shelf at eye level for easy access and visibility.

12. Chip Bag Sealer

Tired of hunting for chip clips in your drawers? You can easily use a pill bottle as a makeshift chip bag clip. It might look a little quirky, but it will keep your snacks fresh.

To turn a pill bottle into a chip bag sealer, fold the top of the chip bag vertically into thirds and then fold it down a few inches. Place the folded bag inside the pill bottle and snap the lid over it, locking the bag securely in place.

13. Mini Trash Can For Your Bag

Is your backpack or purse full of receipts, wrappers, and other scraps? Keep a small pill bottle in your bag to collect all your trash, and then dispose of it properly when you're near a trash can.

14. DIY Musical Shaker

Fill a pill bottle with small items like beans, lentils, or even ball bearings, and suddenly you've got yourself a homemade shaker, ready to make music.

15. Earbud Holder

Earbuds, whether wireless or corded, have a habit of getting tangled and lost in bags. A simple pill bottle works wonders for keeping them organized, dry, and paired up when not in use.

Remember: Always make sure to clean out your prescription containers thoroughly before using them for anything else.