Looking for DIY uses for empty pill bottles? Put those pill bottles laying around to good use with an upcycling project or two!
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In this article:
- DIY Pill Bottle Crafts
- Button Organization
- Concealed Key Storage
- Pill Bottle Survival Kit
- Moisturizer/Shampoo or Conditioner Container
- Pill Bottle Fire Starter
- DIY Rainbow Crayons
- Pill Bottle Cookies
- Pill Bottle Light Garland
- Laundry Detergent Saver
- Hair Clip Organizer
- DIY Makeup Board
- Quarter Storage
- DIY Jewelry
- DIY Treasure Boxes
- Faux Bamboo Vase
Repurposing Ideas: Uses for Empty Pill Bottles
DIY Pill Bottle Crafts
I did some decluttering recently and found a stash of empty pill bottles. To my surprise, we've collected a lot through the years.
I didn't want to throw them out since they are on my list of things to never throw away. So what to do with them?
Well, recycle pill bottles for DIY crafts and projects, of course.
1. Button Organization
I bet you didn't think you could use pill bottles to corral and stack those buttons neatly. The supplies on the tutorial show plastic storage tubes, but the uses for empty pill bottles will work perfectly in this DIY project too.
2. Concealed Key Storage
Glue a rock to a blank medicine bottle and you have yourself a concealed key storage. No one would think of searching random rocks in your garden so this is much better than hiding your key under the mat.
3. Pill Bottle Survival Kit
Survival kits have to be handy and portable. It's a good thing you have pill bottles to organize and store them in.
All those useful little things won't have to clutter inside your camping bag again. Get the instructions here.
You'll also LOVE: 9 Survival Uses For A Pill Bottle
Bringing some cash with you on a camping trip can be useful in emergency situations. The uses for empty pill bottles as a waterproof money container are wonderful for this.
4. Moisturizer/Shampoo or Conditioner Container
Going on a trip? Don't worry about airline guidelines on liquids by using empty pill bottles for storage.
You can use them to store shampoo, first aid ointments, and other things to help you pack light for your trip. See it here.
5. Pill Bottle Fire Starter
Get the kids involved in a little craft project by making these easy DIY fire starters. Make them self-reliant especially in taking care of themselves in a survival situation.
Want more firestarter ideas?
How to Build a Fire | 26 Firestarting Tricks https://t.co/sLBJ9wS5Z2 pic.twitter.com/PnGpTrlMsb
— Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) January 8, 2016
6. DIY Rainbow Crayons

Get creative with unused crayons and make chunky ones for your toddler. Upcycling broken crayons by making rainbow crayons can be one of the many uses for empty pill bottles.
7. Pill Bottle Cookies
Empty pill bottles are often used for DIY crafts and as waterproof containers. Who knew that you can also use pill bottles for baking?
It makes a great inexpensive DIY cookie cutter. See it here.
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8. Pill Bottle Light Garland
Looking for unique and affordable DIY pill bottle crafts? Do a little DIY decor by making your own pill bottle garland by putting some string lights in them.
9. Laundry Detergent Saver
Here's a laundry tip: use empty pill bottles for front load washing machines to measure your detergent, bleach, or fabric softener. Simply use a permanent marker to mark your measurement and you're good to go!
10. Hair Clip Organizer
You'll easily lose track of those hair clips if you don't have a place to keep them. Never lose another bobby pin or hair clip when you do a little DIY organization with pill bottles.
This is one of the uses for empty pill bottles where you can keep your tiny stuff. Check it out here.
11. DIY Makeup Board
Organize your makeup and makeup brushes with this DIY board. No one will recognize those pill bottles once they're beautifully decorated and glued on the board.
12. Quarter Storage
Need something to put small coins and quarters in? Don't let your change go loose with your little DIY storage.
See how you can even decorate the bottles. Click here for more instructions.
13. DIY Jewelry
It never really crossed my mind that pill bottles can be utilized this way! Cutting pill bottles up can help you make some DIY jewelry.
Make necklaces and cute earrings. See it here.
14. DIY Treasure Boxes
The tutorial calls for film canisters, but since they're practically obsolete, you can definitely use your pill bottles for this. Give a gift that will fit in these adorable pill bottle art treasure boxes.
Film Canister Definition: A black or white plastic container that primarily stores a camera film. The canister can also be recycled for other uses such as storing other tiny objects that fit in it.
15. Faux Bamboo Vase
Do stacked pill bottles look like bamboo to you? Yeah, they do.
That's why it's perfect for this craft project. Get the steps here.
Got time for one more? See how you can make a pill bottle survival kit for just $1 from kipkay:
There's just so much to do when you take the time to unleash your creative self. If you have a few empty pill bottles lying around, then this list is perfect for you.
From organizing to decorating, you'll be surprised at what awesome uses for empty pill bottles you can do.
Did you like these DIY uses for empty pill bottles? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2017 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
We drill holes in pill bottle caps and fill with condiments like ketchup and relish and bring to grandsons forth of July cookout. Be safe out there!
That’s a terrific idea!