9 Creative Ways To Reuse Old Pill Bottles

If you take medication, pill bottles are one of those things that just seem to pile up. But, that’s not a bad thing. They’re sturdy, waterproof, and surprisingly versatile. Instead of tossing them into the recycling bin, you can give them a second life in ways that are clever and super useful. With just a bit of imagination and creativity, these small containers can make everyday tasks easier and help cut down on waste at the same time.

A Mini First Aid Kit For On-the-Go

A mini first aid kit in a pill bottle.
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY

Slip a few bandages, alcohol wipes, and individually-wrapped pain relievers into an empty pill bottle and toss it into your bag or glove compartment. It’s small enough that you’ll forget it’s there until the moment you really need it. And because the containers are durable, everything inside stays clean and dry. This tiny kit is perfect for hikes, road trips, or just whatever surprises life tends to throw at you.

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A Safe Spot For Spare Keys

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A pill bottle used to hide a spare key under a fake rock.
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
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You don’t have to buy a fancy fake rock canister to hide a spare house key around your yard. Clean out a pill bottle, pop the key inside, and tuck it somewhere discreet. The bottle keeps moisture away from the key, and you can even wrap it with a bit of tape to camouflage it. It’s one of those little tricks you’ll be grateful for the day you accidentally lock yourself out.

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A Travel-Sized Sewing Kit

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A pill bottle used to hold sewing supplies.
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
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If you’ve ever lost a button at the worst moment, this one’s for you. Fill an old pill bottle with a couple of needles, thread, safety pins, and a few small buttons. It’s a tiny sewing kit that’s easy to keep in your purse or suitcase. A kit this tiny can hold enough stuff to save your shirt when you’re far from home and need a quick fix.

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A Container For Loose Change

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Pill bottles being used to store loose change.
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
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Pill bottles just happen to be the perfect size for storing coins. Keep one in your car for parking meters or tolls so you’re not digging through cup holders or seat cracks when you need coins. It also works for laundry quarters or kids’ allowance money. Suddenly, that little orange bottle becomes a small but mighty organizer for the moments when loose change actually still matters.

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A Waterproof Match Holder

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Matches stored in a pill bottle.
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
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For campers or backyard fire lovers, a pill bottle makes a great match holder. You can even line the inside with a bit of cotton or throw in a piece of sandpaper to help with striking. The tight lid keeps moisture out, so your matches stay ready to light even if the weather turns damp. It’s a simple hack that can make starting a fire easier when you’re outdoors.

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A Portable Snack Stash

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Candy spilling out of a pill bottle.
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
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Whether it’s mints, nuts, or a few pieces of dried fruit, pill bottles make great little snack containers. They fit easily in a pocket, and the snap lid keeps everything from spilling. This hack is especially handy if you’re trying to cut down on single-use snack bags or just don’t want to buy new containers. Just clean the bottle thoroughly first, fill it up, and you’re good to go.

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A Handy Home For Craft Supplies

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Beads stored and organized in pill bottles.
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
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If you’re someone who works with beads, pins, googly eyes, or any other tiny craft supplies, pill bottles are lifesavers. They keep small supplies from scattering everywhere and make your craft area feel a bit more organized. Plus, since the bottles are clear enough to see through, it makes it easy to spot what’s inside without opening every container on the shelf.

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A DIY Spice Container For Travel

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A pill bottle being used to store spices.
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
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Bringing a whole spice rack on a camping trip isn’t practical, but pill bottles are just the right size for holding single spices or custom blends. Label them with tape and a marker so you remember what is what and toss them in your bag. They’re light, easy to pack, and keep your seasonings dry. And it’s so nice to be able to cook outdoors and still have your favorite flavors on hand.

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A Stress-Free Hardware Organizer

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A pill bottle being used to store metal scraps.
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
Photo Credits: ManMade DIY
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As DIYers, we all have that drawer full of random screws, nails, and mystery hardware. Pill bottles can help bring order to the chaos. Sort the random pieces into different bottles, then label each one. Suddenly that messy drawer becomes tidy and manageable. It’s a small step that makes DIY projects so much easier because you can actually find what you need when you need it.

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Repurposing pill bottles takes almost no effort, but they can do so much! These tiny containers can help organize your life, simplify travel, and even help you protect your home. You don’t have to be crafty or resourceful to make good use of them, you just have to get a little creative before tossing them out. Sometimes the most ordinary items turn out to be the most useful.