Have you ever looked at an empty pill bottle and wondered if it could be used for something other than storing medicine? I know I have. A few years ago, I found myself staring at a pile of pill bottles collecting dust on my shelf.

Instead of tossing them into the recycling bin, I thought, “What if these could be turned into something useful?” That thought sparked a variety of ideas that not only helped me repurpose the bottles but also reduced waste and added a personal touch to my home.

In this post, I’ll walk you through some creative and practical ways to repurpose pill bottles, with easy step-by-step instructions, examples, and even a few mistakes to avoid.

So, if you’re tired of seeing those pill bottles cluttering up your space, keep reading for some fun, sustainable solutions!

Pill Bottles as Practical Storage Solutions

When you think of pill bottles, what likely comes to mind is their original use storing medicine. However, with a little creativity, they can be used for a variety of practical purposes around the house. Here are a few ways to repurpose them:

Mini Organizers for Small Items

Pill bottles are excellent for organizing small items such as screws, nails, buttons, beads, or even spices. Their compact size makes them perfect for storing tiny objects that tend to get lost in drawers.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Clean the pill bottle thoroughly.
2. If needed, remove any labels. You can do this by soaking the bottle in warm soapy water.
3. Once dry, use a permanent marker to label the bottle, or use colorful washi tape to decorate it.
4. Fill the bottle with your items (e.g., nails, beads, or spices).
5. Store the bottles in a drawer, toolbox, or kitchen pantry.

Travel-Size Containers

Whether you’re going on vacation or just need a compact solution for your toiletries, pill bottles can serve as the perfect travel companion. From shampoo to lotion, pill bottles are great for storing small quantities of products.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Clean the pill bottle and remove any residue from previous contents.
2. Use a funnel to fill the bottle with your chosen product, ensuring not to overfill it.
3. Label the bottle accordingly, so you know exactly what’s inside.
4. Keep these bottles in a travel bag or even in your car for last-minute trips.

DIY Spice Containers

Spices can take up a lot of space in the kitchen. Repurposing pill bottles as spice containers can help you organize your pantry efficiently, especially if you have an array of small, individual spice packets.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Clean and remove the label from the pill bottle.
2. Use a small funnel to fill the bottle with your chosen spice.
3. Label the spice on the lid for easy identification.
4. Arrange your spice bottles neatly on a shelf or drawer.

Creative Crafts Using Pill Bottles

If you’re into arts and crafts, pill bottles can be transformed into a variety of fun and useful projects. Here are some examples:

Mini Flower Vases

Pill bottles can be turned into charming little flower vases, perfect for holding small flowers or greenery in your home.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Clean the pill bottle and remove the label.
2. Use acrylic paints to decorate the bottle. You can go for a simple design or get more creative with patterns.
3. Once the paint is dry, fill the bottle with a small amount of water and add a flower.
4. Place it on a desk, windowsill, or dining table as a centerpiece.

Pill Bottle Lanterns

Transform pill bottles into beautiful lanterns that emit a soft glow. Perfect for a cozy evening or as a unique decorative piece.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Clean and dry the pill bottle thoroughly.
2. Using a craft knife, carefully cut out holes in the bottle’s surface. You can make a pattern or simply cut a few holes randomly for a more modern look.
3. Insert a battery-operated tea light or LED candle inside.
4. Decorate the outside of the bottle with ribbons, lace, or stickers for added charm.

Pill Bottle Piggy Bank

Save up your spare change by creating a simple piggy bank from a pill bottle. It’s a fun way to teach kids about saving while recycling.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Clean the pill bottle and make sure it’s completely dry.
2. Use a craft knife to cut a small slit on the lid (big enough for coins to pass through).
3. Decorate the outside with fun designs or paint.
4. Start collecting your coins!

Pill Bottles for Gardening Projects

If you enjoy gardening, you can repurpose pill bottles in a variety of ways to help your plants thrive.

Seed Starters

Pill bottles make great seed starters, providing a small, controlled environment for your seeds to grow before transplanting them into larger pots or your garden.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Clean and dry the pill bottle completely.
2. Drill a few small holes at the bottom for drainage.
3. Fill the bottle with potting soil.
4. Place a seed or two in the soil and water lightly.
5. Place the pill bottle in a sunny spot and watch the seeds grow.

Self-Watering Planters

If you’re looking for a sustainable way to water your plants, pill bottles can be turned into self-watering planters by using the cap as a reservoir.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Clean the pill bottle and remove any labels.
2. Cut the bottle in half, leaving the bottom portion as the base.
3. Fill the bottom part of the bottle with water and insert the top (upside down) so that the opening is submerged in the water.
4. Fill the top part with soil and plant your seedlings.
5. The water will slowly drip into the soil, keeping it moist without overwatering.

Quick Overview of Pill Bottles Ideas

Mistakes to Avoid When Repurposing Pill Bottles

While repurposing pill bottles is fun and creative, there are some common mistakes to avoid. Let me share some insights based on my own experience:

Not Cleaning the Bottles Properly

One of the biggest mistakes is not cleaning the pill bottles thoroughly before using them for repurposing. Any leftover residue, especially from medications, can make them unsanitary or even unsafe to use for food storage. Always wash the bottles with soap and water, and if necessary, use a scrub brush to clean hard-to-reach areas.

Overlooking Proper Labeling

If you’re using pill bottles for storage (such as for spices or small objects), make sure to label them clearly. It’s easy to forget what’s inside, especially if you have a variety of repurposed bottles. I learned the hard way when I couldn’t figure out which bottle contained black pepper and which one contained cinnamon! Labels or color-coded tape are a great solution.

Choosing Bottles with Harmful Chemicals

Some pill bottles, especially older ones, may have been made with plastics that are not food-safe or could leach harmful chemicals. If you’re planning to store food or products like toiletries in pill bottles, make sure the plastic is safe for that purpose.

Conclusion

Repurposing pill bottles is a simple yet effective way to reduce waste and create practical, creative items for your home. Whether you’re looking for storage solutions, crafts, or gardening projects, pill bottles offer a surprising amount of potential.

Key Takeaways:

• Pill bottles can be turned into storage containers, craft projects, travel organizers, and even self-watering planters.
• Proper cleaning and labeling are crucial to ensure safety and usability.
• Always think about the end-use of the repurposed bottles and choose the right type of bottle for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can pill bottles be used for food storage?
A: Yes, as long as the plastic is safe and food-grade. Just make sure to clean the bottles thoroughly and label them properly.

Q: What are some other uses for pill bottles?
A: Apart from the ones listed, you can also use them for small craft tools, hair accessories, and organizing office supplies.

Q: How can I remove sticky residue from the label?
A: Soak the bottle in warm soapy water and use a sponge or scrub brush to gently remove the residue. You can also try using rubbing alcohol or a mixture of baking soda and oil to clean sticky areas.