Even the healthiest individuals often find themselves with empty prescription bottles. With nearly 70 percent of Americans on at least one prescription drug, and over half taking two, pill bottles are being discarded at an alarming rate. However, did you know that there are safe and sustainable options for disposing of these containers?

Prescription pill bottles are typically made of polypropylene, #5 plastic, and have a childproof lid. While this type of plastic is recyclable, it is not always accepted by municipal recycling services due to its heat resistance and hardness. Additionally, the small size of pill bottles poses a challenge for recycling centers that use trommels to sort recyclables, as these items often fall through the holes and end up in landfills.

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Plastic recycling is crucial for sustainability as it helps conserve natural resources, energy, and prevents the pollution of water and soil with microplastics. Therefore, it is essential to consider proper recycling methods and safe alternatives for disposing of pill bottles. Here are some options:

Donate

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You might be surprised to learn that you can donate your used prescription bottles. Matthew 25: Ministries, an international humanitarian and disaster relief organization, collects empty pill bottles and sends them to places in need of medical supplies. They accept clean prescription and over-the-counter pill bottles of various sizes. By following their guidelines, you can contribute to helping people in the developing world.

Repurpose

Your pill bottles can also be repurposed with a little creativity. Instead of throwing them away, consider turning them into useful items. Some popular ideas include using them for seed storage, as hide-a-key containers, travel toiletry bottles, mini first-aid kits, travel jewelry holders, workbench containers, earbud containers, or for various craft projects.

Recycle

While local recycling services may not accept pill bottles, there are specialized recycling services available. Companies like Medical Waste Pros partner with recycling experts across the country to provide pill bottle recycling services. These services include washing, shredding, and recycling the bottles safely and professionally. Depending on your location, you may have options for pick-up, drop-off, or mail back recycling services. It is important to check with your provider regarding whether they accept plastic bottle caps and their preferred instructions for handling them.

Preparing Your Old Pill Bottles for Disposal

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Regardless of how you choose to dispose of your pill bottles, it is crucial to prepare them properly. This involves cleaning out any medication residue and removing personal information from the labels. Prescription labels often contain protected health information (PHI) such as your name, address, and Rx number, which can be exploited by thieves. To make sure your information is inaccessible, follow these steps:

1. Sort your bottles by color and type to determine recycling options based on different types of plastic and larger bottles.
2. Remove labels and any sticky residue. Some labels can be easily peeled off, while others may require boiling water or lemon essential oils to remove stubborn residue. If your recycling service includes shredding, you can skip this step.
3. Wash the bottles and lids thoroughly using hot water and soap to eliminate any drug residue. Rinse and dry them. If your recycling service includes washing, you can skip this step.
4. Bag or box your bottles according to the program’s guidelines. Get creative if you plan to repurpose them.

Finding a Pill Bottle Recycler Near You

Pill bottle recycling programs are available in many areas through mail back services. Medical Waste Pros can assist you in the process and ensure that your plastic bottles do not end up in landfills. To connect with providers near you, simply give us a call at (888) 755-6370 or fill out the form. Within minutes, we will send you free, no-obligation price quotes for pill bottle recycling services.

Remember, by properly disposing of your empty prescription bottles, you are not only contributing to a more sustainable future but also helping those in need through donation options. So, the next time you find yourself with an empty pill bottle, consider the various safe and impactful ways to give it a new life.

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