Ways to Use Empty Prescription Medicine Bottles
Before Using Empty Prescription Medicine Bottles
Empty prescription medicine bottles may contain traces of medication. Even if you don’t plan on using empty prescription medicine bottles for the storage of foods or other medications, it’s important to properly clean them before reusing. Completely remove the labels, and wash them in hot soapy water. Rinse the clean containers and lids under hot running water, and dry them before using.
Sewing Supplies
I’m not much of a seamstress, but I keep sewing needles, pins, small spools of thread, buttons, and other items to complete necessary repairs. I don’t want to keep sewing needles and pins in reach of my grandson or my daughter, so instead of leaving them in a pincushion or a paper needle holder, I store them in empty prescription medicine bottles. Since the containers are childproof I don’t have to worry about little fingers getting stuck with potentially dangerous pins and needles.
Bead and Accessory Containers
I’m currently working on bracelets made from glass beads, small polished stones, and other small craft supplies, and although I’m using an old makeup box with several sections as well as a sectioned storage container, I still have to use other methods of storage. I’ve used several large prescription medicine bottles to store jewelry clasps and the beads I use most often. It’s real handy, and although the containers aren’t clear, I can still see what’s inside without having to open them.
First-Aid
It’s a good idea to keep a few adhesive bandages in a purse or in the glove box of your vehicle in case of a minor cut or scrape, and I’ve found myself without a bandage when I’ve needed one. I now carry a prescription medicine bottle in my purse, and it’s filled with small adhesive bandages for emergencies. I’ve also added a couple of alcohol swab packets and a small packet of antibacterial ointment. You never know when you might need first-aid items!
Seed Storage
I collect the seeds from morning glories, four o’clocks, and other outdoor plants, and I used to store them in envelopes for the following growing season. Now I use my empty prescription medicine bottles to store the seeds. The amber colored bottles block out damaging light, and my seeds are in perfect condition the following season. Simply label the bottles and store them in a dark location with low humidity.
Office Supplies
I’m always looking for rubber bands and paper clips, and inevitably one of my kids uses them for craft projects or other reasons. I’ve hidden containers of paper clips and rubber bands so I have them when I need to use them, and I’ve tucked a few away in a drawer. My empty prescription medicine bottles have been perfect for storing my small office supplies, and I don’t have to worry about vacuuming them out of the carpet.
Fishing Supplies
Fishing is one of my favorite warm weather hobbies, and I use empty prescription medicine bottles to store assortments of hooks, sinkers, and hardware to set up fishing lines. They’re just the right size, and I label the containers so I know the exact contents before ever opening them. My tackle box is better organized than it used to be, and the containers have proved to be very handy. I also keep a first-aid bottle in my tackle box incase of a fishing-related injury. Hopefully I’ll never need to use that one!
