Here are 12 practical and detailed ways to reuse an old pill box instead of throwing it away. Make sure the pill box is thoroughly washed and dried before repurposing it, especially if it previously held medication.
1. Store Small Sewing Supplies
Each compartment is perfect for organizing tiny sewing items such as:
- Needles
- Buttons
- Safety pins
- Thread bobbins
- Hooks and eyes
- Beads
Label each section for easy access.
2. Organize Jewelry
Use the compartments to keep small jewelry pieces separate, including:
- Earrings
- Rings
- Necklace pendants
- Charms
- Cufflinks
This prevents tangling and makes it ideal for travel.
3. Keep DIY Hardware Sorted
A pill box works well as a mini hardware organizer for:
- Screws
- Nuts
- Bolts
- Washers
- Nails
- Wall anchors
Great for home repairs and small projects.
4. Carry Fishing Tackle
Anglers can use it to organize:
- Fishing hooks
- Sinkers
- Swivels
- Small lures
- Split rings
The compact size fits easily into a tackle bag.
5. Store Craft Supplies
Perfect for keeping tiny craft materials organized, such as:
- Sequins
- Rhinestones
- Glitter
- Beads
- Stickers
- Googly eyes
Ideal for scrapbooking and DIY crafts.
6. Travel Toiletry Organizer
Fill each compartment with small amounts of:
- Cotton swabs
- Hair ties
- Bobby pins
- Dental floss
- Earplugs
- Small bandages
It saves space when packing.
7. Emergency Repair Kit
Create a portable emergency kit containing:
- Spare buttons
- Safety pins
- Tiny sewing kit
- Zip ties
- Mini screwdriver bits
- Rubber bands
Keep it in your handbag or car.
8. Organize Office Supplies
Use it to store:
- Paper clips
- Push pins
- Staples
- Erasers
- USB drives
- Binder clips
It helps keep your desk tidy.
9. Store Electronic Accessories
Small electronic items fit neatly inside:
- Memory cards
- SIM cards
- USB adapters
- Charging cable tips
- Earbud cushions
This reduces the chance of losing tiny accessories.
10. Portable Snack Box
For clean, food-safe pill boxes, pack small snacks like:
- Mixed nuts
- Raisins
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chocolate chips
- Dried fruit
Use only if the container is food-safe and has been cleaned thoroughly.
11. Seed Storage for Gardening
Gardeners can organize seeds by type:
- Herbs
- Flowers
- Vegetables
- Fruits
Label each compartment with the plant name and planting date.
12. Paint Mixing Palette
Artists can use each compartment to hold:
- Small amounts of acrylic paint
- Watercolors
- Ink
- Pigments
The lid helps keep paint from drying out too quickly during short painting sessions.
Tips for Safe Reuse
- Wash the pill box with warm, soapy water and dry it completely before reuse.
- Avoid storing food if the container is damaged or difficult to clean.
- Clearly label compartments if storing items that could be confused with medication.
- If the pill box originally contained prescription medicines, remove any labels with personal information before repurposing or recycling.
Reusing an old pill box is a simple way to reduce waste while keeping small items organized at home, during travel, or for hobbies.