Creative Ways To Reuse Empty Medication Containers

what are empty medication plastic containers good for

Empty medication plastic containers can be used for a variety of purposes. They are usually made of lightweight, strong, and durable polypropylene (PP) plastic, which can withstand a wide range of temperatures and keep the contents dry. This makes them useful for storing small items such as screws, nails, and other loose objects. They can also be used for travel, such as carrying liquids, gels, or first aid supplies that fit within TSA regulations. Some people use them for crafts, while others donate them to shelters for the homeless or animal shelters. They can also be recycled, although some curbside recycling programs do not accept them due to possible traces of medication.

Characteristics Values
Material Polypropylene (PP)
Properties Lightweight, strong, durable, cost-effective, moisture-proof, tamper-proof, child-resistant
Uses Storing pills, vitamins, screws, nails, seeds, small parts, travel essentials, first aid kits, survival kits, arts and crafts
Disposal Recycle, donate to shelters

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Storage for small items like screws, nails, and seeds

Empty medication plastic containers can be used for storage for small items like screws, nails, and seeds. They are ideal for this purpose because they are lightweight, strong, durable, and can deal with a wide range of temperatures, keeping whatever is inside dry.

Before using empty medication containers for storage, it is important to clean them thoroughly. This will ensure that any residual medication does not affect the items stored inside. Once cleaned, the containers can be used to store a variety of small items. For example, one person mentioned using them to store seeds from their garden, while another mentioned using them for screws, nails, and tacks.

Empty medication containers are also useful for storing small items when travelling. They can easily fit into a suitcase, luggage, backpack, or purse, and their tight-fitting lids ensure that the contents stay secure and do not spill. This makes them perfect for storing items like cotton swabs, bandages, or small electronics like earbuds.

In addition to their practical uses, empty medication containers can also be used for crafts and decorations. For example, one person mentioned that their wife uses them to store little paper stars that she makes when bored at work. Another person mentioned bedazzling their empty containers, turning them into decorative items.

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Containers for travel liquids, gels, and pastes

Empty medication plastic containers can be used for storing travel liquids, gels, and pastes. According to TSA regulations, containers carrying liquids, gels, or pastes in carry-on luggage must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. A standard prescription pill bottle usually meets this requirement and can hold enough shampoo, peanut butter, or moisturizer for a vacation. They can also be used to store other travel essentials, such as bandages, cotton swabs, and small items like screws, nails, or action figure accessories.

Before reusing empty medication containers, it is important to thoroughly clean them. Some communities do not recycle this type of plastic, so it is worth checking with local recycling programs. If they are not recyclable in your area, they can be donated to shelters or charities that may use them for storing items for the homeless.

Empty medication containers can also be used for various crafts. For example, one person mentioned using them to store paper stars, while another suggested using them as musical instruments by filling them with beans, lentils, or ball bearings to create a shaker.

When reusing empty medication containers, it is important to remove any labels for privacy reasons. Additionally, it is recommended to separate the lids from the containers before disposal or recycling. Overall, reusing and repurposing empty medication containers can be a creative and practical way to reduce waste.

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Survival kits for the woods

Plastic medication containers are lightweight, strong, and can withstand a wide range of temperatures while keeping their contents dry. They are also challenging for children to open. These features make them ideal for survival kits, especially when venturing into the woods. Here are some ideas for using empty medication plastic containers for survival kits in the woods:

First Aid Kit

Create a miniature first aid kit by placing items such as Band-Aids, a needle and thread, and some matches inside a medication container. You can also wind duct tape or three-stranded twine around the outside of the container. This kit will fit easily into your backpack or jacket pocket.

Fire-Starting Kit

Keep vital fire-starting materials dry by storing them in a medication container. Fill it with matches, a lighter, or other fire-starting tools. You can also add some kindling or tinder, such as dry leaves or wood shavings, to help get your fire going.

Emergency Supplies

Use medication containers to store small emergency supplies, such as a button compass, a small flashlight, a whistle (for signalling), and a razor blade or small knife. You can also include some cash, which could be useful in an emergency.

Food and Water Storage

Medication containers can be used to store small amounts of food, such as energy-dense snacks like nuts or dried fruit. They are also perfect for holding water purification tablets or water purification methods, such as cloth filters.

Seed Storage

If you plan to spend an extended period in the woods, you can use medication containers to store seeds for planting. The containers will keep the seeds dry and protected until you're ready to plant them.

Before using empty medication containers for survival kits, always clean them thoroughly and ensure they are completely dry. Also, remember that these containers can be used for various other purposes, so feel free to adapt them to your specific needs when venturing into the woods.

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Arts and crafts

Empty medication containers can be used for a variety of arts and crafts projects. Here are some ideas:

Storage and Organisation

The containers can be used to store and organise small items such as pins, screws, beads, craft supplies, coins, hair ties, and safety pins. They can also be used to store and organise items when travelling, such as jewellery, cotton swabs, spices, and small amounts of liquids, pastes, or gels.

Gardening and Seeds

The containers can be used to store seeds and small plants, allowing children to watch the roots and plants grow through the transparent plastic.

Christmas Crafts

Pill bottles can be used to make Christmas crafts such as Pill Bottle Cookies and string lights. For the latter, small holes can be drilled into the lids of the bottles, and string lights can be threaded through the holes to create a unique decoration.

Halloween Crafts

Medication containers can be used to make Halloween crafts such as potion bottles and snowmen.

Other Crafts

Empty medication containers can also be used to make a variety of other crafts, including jewellery, lamps, and crayons.

When using empty medication containers for arts and crafts, it is important to ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and that any labels or residue are removed. This can be done by soaking the containers in warm, soapy water and using rubbing alcohol or oil to remove stubborn residue.

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Recycling

Plastic medication containers are typically made from polypropylene (PP), a lightweight, durable, and cost-effective material that can withstand a wide range of temperatures and protect their contents from moisture. However, PP can take years to break down in the environment, releasing toxic chemicals and methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas. Therefore, it is important to recycle these containers properly.

Some cities offer curbside recycling programs that accept PP containers, but it is important to remove any labels and separate the lids from the containers first. If your community does not offer recycling for these containers, you can contact local animal shelters or homeless shelters to see if they accept donations. Some charities, such as the Humane Society, collect these containers to distribute items such as shampoo, hand lotion, and conditioner to the homeless.

Empty medication containers can also be reused in a variety of ways. They can be used to store small items such as screws, nails, seeds, or action figure accessories. They are also useful for travelling, as they can hold small amounts of liquids, gels, or other items such as bandages or plant clippings. They can even be turned into musical instruments by filling them with beans, lentils, or other small items that can make noise.

When reusing or recycling medication containers, it is important to thoroughly clean them first to remove any traces of medication. Additionally, be sure to obscure any personal information on the labels before disposing of them.

Frequently asked questions

Empty medication plastic containers can be recycled, but some areas do not accept this type of plastic. They can also be reused to store small items such as medication, vitamins, screws, seeds, or craft supplies.

An empty medication plastic container can be used to store items such as cotton swabs, bandages, or hair clips. They can also be used to store small amounts of liquids, pastes, or gels for travel, in accordance with TSA regulations.

An empty medication plastic container can be used to store small food items such as beans, lentils, or spices. They can also be used as a chip bag clip.

An empty medication plastic container can be turned into a musical shaker instrument by putting beans, lentils, ball bearings, or other small, noisy items inside.

Some animal shelters and homeless shelters accept donations of empty medication containers. Contact your local shelters to see if they are in need.

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