Can You Recycle Prescription Bottles?
It depends
#5 plastic, but often too small — check locally
Why
Amber prescription vials are polypropylene (#5). Some programs accept them; others screen out anything that small. Pharmacies increasingly run take-back bins.
How to dispose of prescription bottles
- Remove or black out the personal info on labels
- Check if your program takes #5 plastics and small containers
- Some pharmacies collect vials for reuse in veterinary and aid programs
- Never flush leftover medicine — use a drug take-back site
Greener option
Vials are perfect for organizing seeds, screws, and travel-size items.
♻️ Recycling rules vary by city and hauler — when in doubt, check your local program. You can look up your area on our trash & recycling schedules page.