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Upcycle Pill Bottles with These 22 Fun & Creative Ideas

ByJessica Knowles Reading Time: 10 minutes

Upcycling pill bottles for craft projects is a great way to recycle and reuse them. Find inspiration to get those creative juices flowing.

A compilation of upcycled pill bottle projects.

I try very hard to use herbal remedies in our home, but plastic pill bottles of medications still squeak in from time to time.  I HATE tossing things, and I consider myself rather skilled at discovering new uses for old things.  There is a chance I’ve morphed into an upcycling addict.  Oh well, there are worse things.

So with a huge stash of pill bottles needing a new purpose, I hopped on Pinterest to get some ideas. If you’re not following me on Pinterest, you really should.

Gather your imagination and repurpose these containers into functional organizers, charming decor pieces, or even personalized gifts. With a dash of ingenuity, we can breathe new life into these overlooked items, crafting not only beautiful creations but also contributing to a sustainable and eco-conscious lifestyle. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, get our craft on, and turn those pill bottles into something truly amazing!

#1 Fire Starters

You can create fire starters with them.  They label this as a fun project to do with your kids. I’m not sure I’d get my kids involved (we have some “rambunctious spirits”), but maybe this would be a fun bonding experience for parents of responsible kids.

A picture of pill bottle firestarters.

#2 Hide-A-Key

You can easily make a hide-a-key for your spare key with some hot glue on the lid. I saw a similar one that used a pine cone. I’m not sure how long it would hold up, but given how cheap and easy it is, does it really matter if you need to keep replacing it?

A pill bottle hide-a-key.

#3 Travel Bottles

You can use pill bottles to store shampoo, conditioner, and lotion when traveling.  I believe that these are the proper size for airline security to approve. Obviously, you’ll want to investigate before you get to the airport.

A pill bottle filled with lotion.

#4 Portable Sewing Kits

You can make a travel sewing kit that holds a needle and thread with an attached pin cushion. This is a great thing to keep in the car or purse in case you’re out in the world and discover you’ve lost a crucial button or something.

A pill bottle covered in rose fabric and ribbon with a pin cushion on top.

#5 Survival Kit

You can make your own pill bottle survival kit. My boyfriend is an outdoor enthusiast who has made about twenty of these and has them everywhere he spends his time. I won’t lie; they’ve come in handy a time or two, and I’m glad to have one in my hiking backpack.

#6 Crafting Storage

You can store small craft and hobby items, such as cake piping tips, small beads, and needles. I have several stashed around the house with safety pins and paper clips, and I used pill bottles to keep the gems from my diamond painting kits.

Painted pill bottles covered with stickers and the numbers 0-3 on top.

#7 Halloween Decor

You can make cute Halloween potion bottles out of over-the-counter pill bottles. I really like these. I made some last year to put on the mantle, and I got a lot of compliments. They took my gourd “autumn” decor to a new spooky level.

Medicine bottles decorated with paint and hot glue to look like a series of potion bottles.

#8 Snowman Ornament

Maybe Halloween isn’t your thing and you’d prefer a winter snowman made from medicine bottles? My youngest made an entire community of pill-bottle snowmen a few years ago. They didn’t really “go” with my vintage Christmas village, but how could I deprive him?

A little snowman with a green scarf made from a pill bottle.

#9 Rainbow Crayons

You can make fun rainbow crayons using standard-sized prescription pill bottles as molds. You get two “upcycle points” if you are upcycling broken crayons (another thing I refuse to throw away).

Crayon wax melted in pill bottles in a variety of colors.

#10 Unique Vase

You can make a faux bamboo vase. When the bottles are nested into each other it creates a vacuum seal, so they are watertight without glue. Some cool science for you.

Pill bottles nested to look like bamboo with a bamboo cutting inside.

#11 Nail Polish Remover

You can make one of those nail polish remover tubs in minutes with some acetone and cotton balls. These are much less messy to use than acetone right out of the bottle on your nails. I feel like there’s less waste this way as well.

Pouring nail polish remover into a pill bottle filled with cotton balls.

#12 Ammo Storage

You can store ammo in them. Dry ammo is happy ammo. My super thrifty boyfriend keeps the ammo organized in empty prescription bottles and then he stores those in an old Christmas tin. If you open the gun cabinet, it looks like we’re hoarding those yummy danish cookies. Alas, we are not.

A painted and unpainted pill bottle holding ammo.

#13 Yarn Baller

Okay, knitters and crocheters will love this one. Make your yarn balls center-pull using old prescription bottles. No more chasing balls of yarn everywhere. My very sweet friend, Janet of Timber Creek Farm, gifted me an official yarn ball winder, but I used this trick for the years prior.

A multicolored ball of yarn wrapped around a white medicine bottle.

#14 Ink Dauber

You can make your own ink daubers with empty prescription pill bottles. I’m not sure what one would do with an ink dauber – BINGO maybe? – but it looked like a cute idea. Okay, upon further research I discovered they use daubers for scrapbooking as well.

#15 Coin Storage

If you’re having trouble finding a place to store all your quarters (I’ve never had that problem… my children always seem to be pilfering my coins), you can use a pill bottle as a coin holder. It would be handy to have them in the glove box of your car in case you need to swing by the car wash for a quick clean or vacuum.

Painted red and blue pill bottles with disney stickers.

#16 Party Lights

You can make some cool amber-colored party lights. I’m not sure what occasion these would be appropriate for. Maybe for a doctor’s graduation party? I’m sure you could add elements to make them more appropriate for other occasions.

A string of lights hung on a mirror with pill bottles secured over the bulbs.

#17 First Aid Kit

You can create a travel first aid kit.  We use these all the time! Again, I have rambunctious children (okay, ONE rambunctious child, but I’m not naming names… smallest dude). Often the smallest dude has used up all the bandaids in the bathroom closet, so my mini first-aid kit is my salvation.

A pill bottle with tweezers, bandaids, and ointment spread around it.

#18 Tooth Storage

You can help out the Tooth Fairy by giving her something a bit bigger than a tooth to look for in the mess of bed sheets. You have no idea how many panicked nights “she” has experienced trying to locate a teeny tiny tooth lost between stuffed animal friends.

A pill bottle painted purple and blue with a purple ribbon and a tooth sticker on the front.

#19 Hair Supply Container

You can store tiny hair doodads in them. I am not a girl who puts a lot of effort into hairdos, but I seem to be always searching for the bobby pins I bought 15 years ago because they are little and get lost. I refuse to purchase more because I’ll only use them once a year. Hair elastics (including those tiny clear ones) can be wrapped around the outside of the bottles.

A pill bottle filled with bobby pins and a purple hair clip.

#20 Q-Tip Holder

You can lock up your cotton swabs so your children don’t attempt to clean each other’s ears – yes, it’s happened. 

Two views of a pill bottle filled with cotton swabs.

#21 Seed Storage

If my DIY Printable Seed Packets weren’t for you, you could store seeds in them. The childproof cap means you won’t have an incident that requires you to spend hours organizing your seeds after collecting them off the floor.

A bunch of pill bottles on their sides with the names of seeds written on their lids.

#22 Battery Organizer

Last, but not least, you can use pill bottles to organize batteries. Because most old prescription bottles are watertight, the batteries won’t likely become corroded.

Pill bottles filled with batteries fastened to a piece of wood by their lids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soaking the pill bottles in warm, soapy water often helps loosen the labels. For stubborn residue, rubbing alcohol or oil (like olive oil) can be effective. Gently scrub with a sponge or cloth to remove any remaining adhesive.

Disposing of expired medications responsibly is crucial to prevent environmental contamination and ensure public safety. Here are some guidelines:

  • Take-Back Programs: Many pharmacies and local law enforcement agencies organize medication take-back programs. Check with your local pharmacy or police station to inquire about upcoming events or permanent collection sites.
  • Pharmacy Drop-Off: Some pharmacies have dedicated drop-off bins for safe medication disposal. Ask your pharmacist if they provide this service.
  • Community Disposal Programs: Check with your local health department or community organizations for information on disposal programs. Some communities host periodic events for safe medication disposal.
  • DO NOT Flush Medications: Avoid flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, as these methods can contribute to water pollution.
  • Remove Personal Information: Before disposal, remove any personal information from medication packaging to protect your privacy.
  • Mix with Undesirable Substances: To discourage accidental or intentional misuse, mix the expired medication with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or cat litter before disposing of it in the trash.
  • Follow FDA Guidelines: The FDA provides guidelines for disposing of specific medications, especially those with a high potential for abuse. Follow any specific instructions on the medication guide or packaging.

Always check with your local regulations, as disposal methods may vary by location. If you are unsure, consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance on the most appropriate disposal method for your specific medications.

Yes, many organizations accept donations of empty pill bottles for various purposes. One notable option is the organization Matthew 25: Ministries. They have a program that collects clean, empty pill bottles and repurposes them to distribute medicine to those in need. Another option is reaching out to local animal shelters, as they often use empty pill bottles for dispensing medication for pets. Additionally, some pharmacies or medical supply stores may have specific programs for recycling or repurposing empty pill bottles, so it’s worth inquiring with them directly. Always ensure that the bottles are thoroughly cleaned before donating.

And remember, health doesn’t come from plastic bottles, but if it does, make something cute with the bottle afterward!

Also, be sure to check out 12+ Fun Ways to Upcycle Holiday Cards After the Season, Mason Jar Crafts You’ll Love to DIY, and 12 Uses for an Old Milk Jug.

If you’ve found value in this blog post and enjoyed reading it, why not share it with your Pinterest community? Pin the image below and spread the love!

A collage image of upcycle pill bottle craft ideas for pinning.

Repurposing old pill bottles opens a world of possibilities for both practical organization and creative DIY projects. From clever storage solutions to crafting unique items for everyday use, these innovative ideas breathe new life into what would otherwise be discarded. Embracing the art of upcycling not only contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle but also showcases the potential for creativity and resourcefulness in transforming the mundane into something truly extraordinary.

What great uses have you come up with for old pill bottles? Share in the comments below.

Owner, Writer at The 104 Homesteader

A gifted writer and long-time Maine homesteader, Jessica is here to share her knowledge and expertise. Jessica can help you homestead successfully on your piece of land. You can rely on her advice and tips since she has been engaged in small-scale farming and self-sufficiency for over a decade. In her downtime, Jessica loves to take her boys on hikes or spend time with her quail coveys, named after the four Hogwarts Houses. She also loves caring for her goats and garden. Jessica will show you how it's done so you can thrive on your homestead.

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336 Comments

  1. Loved some of the ideas! My husband and I both (unfortunately) take multiple medications which results in too many pill bottles! I remove the labels and take them to my veterinarian. He takes wonderful care of our pets while trying to keep prices down! Saves him a little $ and makes me feel good about not adding to our land fills! Check with your/a veterinarian!

    Reply
  2. Wm Mayzak says:

    People use them for geocaches

    Reply

  3. I use them in my tool chests to hold small items such as my counterbore bits. Good hardware, screwdriver bits, and such storage. I use them to keep small items in my tackle box. I also used one to make a snail trap for my aquarium.

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says:

    i use one in my purse to hold my ear buds for my phone, i can always put my hand on the bottle and they stay cleaner.

    Reply

  5. I store tall skinny makeup items such as eye liner pencils, makeup brushes, even lip balm sticks in larger Rx bottles without the cap to keep it visible and organized in my makeup box (which is a plastic shoe storage tub, again without the lid).

    Reply
  6. Margaret Blevins says:

    I’m a quilter and I use pill bottles to store used seeing machine needles. This way no one gets stabbed.

    Reply

  7. Use them to store birthday candles, that way they won’t break when they’re rolling around in the junk drawer! ??

    Reply

  8. I use them for cat treats, especially when going to the vet!

    Reply

  9. I grew up on a 160acre homestead in Alaska. We found many uses for our pill bottles. We would roll up our dollars and save them until Christmas. There were seven kids. It was a competition to see who would save the most. We also put safety pins in them. We were always popping off a butter or ripping out a seam.

    Reply

  10. We use them for our quarters and pennies for the penny press machines at WDW. We stack four quarters and one shiny penny and continue the pattern until the bottle is full. We also have an empty bottle for the pressed pennies. No more loose change or lost penny treasures!!

    Reply

  11. We also use them for quarters, but for penny press machines at WDW. We stack four quarters and a nice shiny penny and continue the pattern ’til the bottle is full. We also have an empty one for the pressed pennies. No more loose change or lost pennies.

    Reply
    1. ladylyn777 says:

      I love this idea!!!

      Reply

  12. My fishing tackle bag has lots of old pill bottles. I started using them for lures with hooks in them. I also put sinkers, loose hooks and other small tackle bag items in them. They are also great for carrying dish soap, mustard ketchup etc on picnics, camping etc.
    I have ideas for many uses. But, my tackle bag was the first.

    Reply
  13. Shirley A Bolin says:

    I use pill bottles to put my used lancets and strips in when I check my blood sugar. The bottle fits in the pocket of my meter case and when it is full, I tape the lid shut and throw it in the trash.

    Reply
    1. Anonymous says:

      Just FYI, there is a huge fine for throwing needles in the trash even in a container. They should be disposed of at a facility that takes sharps. The fine is like $20,000.00.

      Reply

      2. In Illinois, we can throw them in the trash, too. I was surprised, also, when I had to give my cat IVs and I started calling around to find out what to do with the used needles. The police department, city building and county building didn’t even say anything about putting them in a container (although I did, anyway)!

        Reply

    2. This is s great idea. I can never find s trash can when I need one. And also I don’t have to worry about anyone else getting stuck.

      Reply
  14. April Parrish says:

    I was collecting my pill bottles for donation to the Malawi Project, but I missed the donation window. I’ve yet to find another place to take them, but I would think there are others out there. If someone finds a charity to take them, please post the info.

    Reply
    1. Jessica Lane says:

      If I hear of another, I’ll add the information here.

      Reply

    2. I would like to know too. I have a lot. Thank you.

      Reply
    3. Carla Liles says:

      Clean, empty pill bottles with labels removed may be sent to Matthew 25 Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 25242. I found this organization after learning that the Malawi Project is no longer accepting bottles b/c they have received over 2.5 million of them.

      Reply
      1. Jessica Lane says:

        Thank you for sharing this. I was sad the other program closed down, but glad it was because so many people donated.

        Reply

  15. I use pill bottles for old or bent sewing machine/hand sewing needles. when full I tape them closed and no one gets stuck…

    Reply

  17. Do ALL of these so-called links link right back to YOUR pinterest instead of linking to the actual sites you took the images from? Poor form.

    Reply
    1. Jessica Lane says:

      They go to pins on my Pinterest boards because people notoriously delete pins and that would cause a broken link. Not poor form, just making sure when you click on a link it doesn’t leave you in “oops, that pin no longer exists” land.

      When you click on the pin, it takes you to the person who wrote the tutorial (and whose photos I was given permission to use).

      Reply
      1. Bonnie Bowness says:

        You are so sweet ,its to bad there are always idiots that have to try to burst others bubbles.I call it bitter bag syndrome.

        Reply

  18. I use one to carry mixed nuts to snack on when I’m at work.

    Reply
  19. Steve Sanders says:

    I’ve used old pill containers to keep change for parking meters in my car. I’ve found that they work great for that.

    Reply
  20. Steve Sanders says:

    I tried using pill containers to store batteries once. It turns out that it’s not such a good idea. The alkaline batteries couldn’t “breath” and chemicals leaked out into the air-tight container, They were ruined, and caused a mess. It was basically a waste of good batteries.

    Reply
    1. Jessica Lane says:

      Oh no! That’s the first I’ve heard of that happening.

      Reply

    2. That’s happened to me also.

      Reply
    3. Mimi Reynolds says:

      Maybe make a small hole in the bottle…?

      Reply
  21. Jean Ericson says:

    Just so you know……daubers are little ink holders for crafting cards. Roll up some sponges and insert in various types of holders to make your own. Good idea!

    Reply

  22. Use one to carry extra earrings and/or pins while traveling.

    Also for mixing watercolors or acrylics in larger quantities than practical on a palette.

    Reply
  23. Anonymous says:

    I use them to carry extra earrings when I travel. I also use them to mix paint when mixing colors in a larger quantity for a painting.

    Reply
  24. Shirley Crotta says:

    we make what we call “shakyshakies” for our special needs granddaughter, who loves to have something in her hand to shake and make noise. We put small not so noisy beads inside and then cover them with material so they won’t accidentally come open.

    Reply

    1. I don’t know how old your granddaughter is, but if she is old enough for something larger, by far the best bottle I’ve found for shakers is an empty “POM Wonderful” bottle (as a sports, juice, or energy drink, they are a bit pricey, but for a toy or sensory object, the empty bottle is great). I use the tiny size or the medium size (which is a small soft drink or water bottle size); the largest size is too big. Yes, there is writing on the bottle, but with a little effort, if you want a clear bottle, you can get the writing off with Pro Strength Goof Off which you can find at a hardware store. I like these bottles because of their unique shape and because, if you close the lid real tight (like with pliers), you don’t have to use something to seal it, although an extra cautious person might hot glue it closed. (I don’t like using material around something if you have a kid who puts their everything in their mouth, such an item might roll around on the floor, and having no material on it will make it easier to clean. “Profoundly normal” toddlers love these shakers too and no batteries needed – great to sleep with and no annoying kid music, which can get old after a while. They also make great maracas for a rhythm band instrument for elementary kids.

      Reply
  25. Judy Gillette-Pelkey says:

    I peel off the labels, the sticky residue left behind is easily removed with taking the peeled label and using it to remove the sticky stuff left. Just take the sticky side of the label and use it quickly to pick up the sticky stuff.

    Reply
    1. Jessica Lane says:

      Good tip to know. Thank you Judy!

      Reply