I save pill and film containers to put quarters in - for laundry, toll booths, snack vending machines, car wash, vacuum coin slots, or anything else I need quarters for in a hurry. They fit easily in my purse or in my car cup holder and they don't take up too much room.
By Karen from Pawtucket, RI
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I take several prescriptions every month and I accumulate lots of empty bottles. Someone posted that these make nice places to hold screws, nails, etc. But what I use them for is storing my State quarters. Each bottle holds $10 worth of quarters.
What makes this a frugal thing is that these can be grabbed for a quick last minute birthday gift. Take off the labels and if you desire you can decorate with contact type paper. College kids love getting quarters and so do younger kids.
I also know of a place that does take the empty bottles to recycle to other nations. I have a bag full waiting to take. I think in my area this place only takes the bottles once a month on a specific day.
By Patricia from Spring Lake, NC
Also, check with the local animal hospital. They reuse them for their "patients". (11/21/2008)
By JB
I take mine to a local animal hospital. They are quite happy to get them (for free!) (11/30/2008)
Another thing that works is the tubes that the MandM minis come in work great too. They are the perfect size. (01/15/2011)
By Linda
I use film containers for quarters and each one holds about $6. I keep a couple in my purse or in my car for those times or emergencies when you need some extra money or a dollar menu fix.
(01/16/2011)
By Lucy Bedell
I talked to a coin expert about storing coins in Rx bottles and he very strongly advised against it. I had half dollars stored and was immediately moved them. He said there is usually residue from the Rx which could affect the coins in a negative way. FYI
(01/17/2011)
By Guest
First of all, washing the bottles is not a big deal. Then you can use it for what you need. I do the quarter thing, get several rolls of quarters from the bank then go through seeing what state ones I still need. I have books for them, apply them then put the rest into the med bottles, tuck inside the cupboard. Never know when you have to have change, my grandchildren take 4 quarters each for their SS offering.
Straightening up the basement drawers or even putting away new purchases, all sized bottles with new labels on the outside and then a sample of what is in it clear taped to the outside. Brads/tacks/screws/etc. Then I put all these into a shelving container box or boxed style tupperware container with lid. Handier than opening up all packages and dumping them into a can looking for what you want, which is the mess I cleaned up with the bottles rather than tossing them.
Oh, you can also take them back to the drugstore to be used for your next refill. Do not take off labels, the pharmacist will do this. Ask them to reuse your own and they will. Just so you know it, the script bottles are recyclable, so if tossing, put in the right bins. (01/17/2011)
By Grandma J
