A woman had a pile of old pill bottles—rather than throw them away, she turned them into brilliant creations.

We’ve all been there: opening a medicine cabinet and finding a pile of empty prescription or vitamin bottles. These containers are strong, moisture-resistant, and come with secure snap-on lids. Most people toss them in the trash, but one resourceful woman saw their potential. By thinking creatively, she realized these small bottles are perfect for organizing and storing small items.

Why Repurposing Works

Reusing items you already have reduces waste and saves money. But before diving into your next DIY project, it’s important to follow a few safety guidelines.

Safety First: Preparing Your Bottles

Before reusing any medical container, take these steps to ensure safety:

• Protect Your Privacy: Black out personal information with a permanent marker or remove labels entirely.
• Clean Thoroughly: Wash each bottle and lid with warm, soapy water.
• Dry Completely: Make sure no moisture remains before adding supplies.

Important: Never store food or drinks in these bottles. Even after cleaning, tiny residues may remain, making them unsafe for consumption.

10 Clever Ways to Reuse Empty Bottles

1. Organize Craft and Sewing Supplies
   Perfect for buttons, beads, pins, needles, or bobbins. Transparent plastic lets you see what’s inside, and the tight lids prevent spills.
2. Sort Hardware and Small Tools
   Keep screws, nails, washers, and fishing hooks organized. No more stepping on sharp objects, and home repairs become easier.
3. Travel-Sized Containers
   Use for contact lens solution, nail polish remover, or essential oils. Small sizes are TSA-friendly. Avoid thick creams that could react with the plastic.
4. Mini Plant Pots and Labels
   Poke drainage holes and use as seedling pots. Once the plant grows, transfer it to the garden. Cut bottles into strips for durable plant labels.
5. Portable First Aid or Car Kits
   Store spare fuses, tire valve caps, or jumper wire ends in your glove box. Compact and durable for emergencies.
6. School Supply Caddies
   Great for crayon nubs, pencil leads, erasers, or small paintbrushes. Kids enjoy the “click” of the lid, making cleanup fun.
7. DIY Cleaning Pods
   Pre-measure vinegar, baking soda, or homemade cleaner for easy use. Label clearly to avoid confusion.
8. Decorative Light Covers
   Use frosted bottles as LED tea light covers for a soft glow. Safer than candles and ideal for table decorations.
9. Scavenger Hunt Treasure Boxes
   Fill with tiny toys, notes, or coins. Child-safe lids make unlocking the prize a fun challenge.
10. Camping and Outdoor Storage
    Keep matches, small laundry detergent, or other essentials dry and compact in a backpack.

Safety Reminders

• Do Not Store Food: Avoid snacks or drinks due to contamination risk.
• No Flammable Liquids: Never use gasoline or acetone—plastic can melt or degrade.
• Check Plastic Types: Look for the recycling number (#2 or #5) to know how to dispose of the bottle properly.

The Bottom Line

Empty pill bottles don’t have to end up in a landfill. With a little cleaning and some imagination, these small containers can become organizational wonders. Sustainability is all about seeing potential in what others overlook.