Wondering if you can throw away medicine bottles? The short answer is yes, but you must take a few important steps first to protect your privacy and the environment. Here is your quick 2026 guide.
Table of contents
Empty the Bottle Completely
Never throw away a bottle with pills inside. The FDA recommends mixing leftover drugs with coffee grounds or cat litter in a sealed bag before trashing them. Alternatively, use a local drug take-back program.
Protect Your Personal Info
Prescription labels contain sensitive data like your name and Rx numbers. Scratch out all personal information with a permanent markeror soak the bottles in warm soapy water to easily peel the labels off entirely.
Recycling and Upcycling
Once empty and label-free, check if your local recycling facility accepts plastic pill bottles. You can also upcycle them to safely store small items like sewing pins or razor blades.
