11. Create a Mini First-Aid Organization Container

An empty pill bottle can sometimes be used to organize non-medication first-aid accessories, such as:

Small adhesive bandages
Safety pins
Gauze clips
Small pieces of medical tape

But be careful about putting medications back into old medication containers.

Prescription and other medicines should remain in their original labeled containers whenever possible. This reduces the risk of mix-ups and helps preserve important information such as the medication name, strength, expiration information, and instructions.

Never put unidentified pills into an unlabeled reused container.

12. Keep Tiny Items From Getting Lost

Perhaps the most useful purpose is simply having a dedicated container for things that are too small to organize easily.

Whenever you find a tiny item and don’t want to lose it, a small bottle can provide a temporary home.

Examples include:

Spare zipper pulls
Small screws
Tiny hooks
Jewelry clasps
Replacement pieces
Small hardware
Craft accessories

You can keep several bottles in a drawer and label them according to their contents.

Before Reusing a Pill Bottle, Clean It Properly

If you want to reuse an empty medication container, start by removing any remaining medication.

Don’t pour leftover medication down the sink or toilet unless the medication instructions specifically say this is appropriate.

Dispose of unused medication through an appropriate medication take-back or disposal program when available.

Once the bottle is empty, wash it thoroughly if the material and bottle design allow cleaning.

Remove labels containing personal information before reusing or discarding the container.

This is particularly important because medication labels can contain:

Your name
Prescription information
Pharmacy information
Medication details
Identifying numbers

Don’t simply throw away a bottle containing your personal information without considering how that information could be exposed.

Don’t Reuse Old Pill Bottles for Food

This is one of the most important limitations.

Although a pill bottle looks like a convenient little food container, it’s better not to use old medication containers for things you plan to eat or drink.

Possible concerns include:

Medication residue
Plastic not being designed for food contact
Difficulty knowing the bottle’s previous contents
Odors or residues remaining in the plastic

Instead, use containers specifically manufactured for food storage.

This is especially important for children.

Don’t Use Them for Baby Items

Avoid using old medication containers to store anything intended for babies or young children.

Small objects can become choking hazards, and an old medication container may retain residue.

Keep reused containers away from children unless you’re certain they are being used safely and appropriately.

Be Careful With Sharp Objects

If you’re using a bottle to store needles, pins, screws, or other sharp objects, don’t assume the plastic is puncture-proof.

For used medical needles, syringes, lancets, or other sharps, never use an ordinary pill bottle as a substitute for an approved sharps container unless local health guidance specifically permits that type of container.

Medical sharps require appropriate disposal.

For ordinary craft needles or sewing pins, a proper pin cushion or purpose-built container is safer.

Label Everything

A reused container becomes much more useful when you label it.

You can write:

“Small screws — electronics”

“Black buttons”

“Picture hooks”

This prevents the classic problem of having ten little containers but no idea what’s inside them.

A small piece of tape and a permanent marker are usually enough.

Keep Medication Containers Away From Children

Even when a pill bottle is empty, children may associate the familiar container with medication.

Never allow children to play with old medication bottles that have contained medicine.

If you keep reused bottles for crafts or organization, store them responsibly and make sure they cannot be mistaken for actual medication containers.

The Best Reuses Are Simple Ones

You don’t need to turn an empty pill bottle into an elaborate DIY project.

Its greatest strength is its basic design:

Small + lightweight + durable + secure lid = useful organizer.

That makes it ideal for tiny household objects.

Instead of buying a new container every time you need somewhere to keep a few screws or buttons, an appropriately cleaned and safely reused bottle can sometimes do the job.