I am an avid recycler…so the fact that Nashville doesn’t recycle #5 plastics is very painful for me to accept. I’ve been reusing yogurt containers as tupperware - giving leftovers to friends with abandon. “No need to return it when you’re done!” I tell my friends with enthusiasm. However, pill bottles have been the thorn in my recycling side for some time.

I’ve become determined to understand WHY they’re not accepted for recycling, and what I can do with them instead.

#5 plastics are polypropylenes that are hard and heat resistant. They have this logo on the bottom of their containers.

There are a few reasons that your local municipality may not recycle them.

Limited Market Demand: The recycling industry largely depends on market demand for recycled materials. If there is limited demand for products made from #5 plastic, recycling facilities may not find it economically viable to collect and process this type of plastic. This is why Nashville does not recycle polypropylene any longer.
Sorting & Separation Challenges: Recycling facilities often face difficulties in sorting and separating different types of plastics, including #5 plastic, as it requires specialized equipment and technology. If a recycling facility lacks the necessary infrastructure, they may choose to focus on recycling more commonly used plastics, such as #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE), which have a larger market demand.
Contamination Concerns: #5 plastic can be found in various forms, including yogurt containers, bottle caps, and food containers. If these items are not properly cleaned and separated from other materials, they can contaminate the recycling stream, making the recycling process less efficient and more costly.
Lack of Awareness and Education: Some communities may not recycle #5 plastic due to a lack of awareness or education about its recyclability. Residents may not know that certain items they use daily, like yogurt cups or takeout containers, are made from #5 plastic and can be recycled.
Cost Considerations: Recycling programs are often funded by local governments or waste management companies, and they must make cost-effective decisions. Expanding recycling programs to include less common plastics like #5 may require additional investments in equipment and infrastructure, which may not be financially feasible in some areas.
Regional Differences: Recycling practices can vary by region or municipality, and decisions about which plastics to recycle may be influenced by local factors, such as the availability of recycling facilities, the priorities of local authorities, and the preferences of waste management companies.

Whatever the reason for the lack of recycling by your municipality - if you’re as determined as I am to recycle these - read on!

10 Ideas for Repurposing Pill Bottles

A prescription pill bottle repurposed as a travel sized lotion container. — **1. Travel Toiletries Storage**

Rather than buying travel size lotions, shampoos, conditioners, etc. use what you have at home and simply put a few pumps in a prescription pill bottle. Voila! Shampoo-to-go.

A prescription pill bottle repurposed as a first aid kit. — 2. **First Aid Kit**

Create a first aid kit for on the go safety. Put a pair of tweezers, antibacterial wipes, band-aids, and travel size cream packets in a bottle for an easy kit to stash in your purse or backpack.

3. Small Item Storage. Use a bottle for Q-tips, sewing needles, bobby pins, and other small objects. Just make sure to label the tops or sides so these bottles stay functional and don’t end up as more junk in your junk drawer.