Empty prescription pill bottles should not be put in curbside recycling in most cases. However, there are several ways to recycle or reuse these bottles and keep them out of the landfill. Here are some options:

Recycling:

• Check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept prescription medication bottles. Some cities have curbside recycling programs that accept number five plastics.
• Find specialized recycling programs that accept prescription pill bottles. For example, Medical Waste Pros partners with recycling experts nationwide specializing in pill bottle recycling services.

Repurposing:

• Use cleaned bottles for other purposes. Some popular repurposing ideas include using them as a child-proof container, seed storage, hair accessory storage, cash stash holder, hide-a-key, travel toiletry bottles, and more.
• Donate used pill bottles to organizations like Matthew 25: Ministries, which accepts donations of clean, dry, empty bottles with matching, all-plastic lids already screwed on. They distribute these bottles to those in need or recycle them to generate revenue that supports their programs.

Remember to clean the bottle well, especially if a narcotic medication was in the bottle previously. After cleaning with soap and water, a rinse of bleach followed by multiple rinses of clean water should do the trick.