Billions of plastic pill bottles end up in landfills every year, often rejected by curbside recycling programs. But one mom's clever recycling habit is proving that even the smallest acts can make a big impact — for animals in need and the planet.

The scoop

In a TikTok video, Jacob Wolf (@jac0bwolf) shared how his mom collects empty pill bottles to donate to their local animal shelter. Once donated, the plastic containers are reused to hold medications for animals in care.

"I didn't even know you could donate pill bottles to an animal shelter," the son wrote in the video caption. "Your kindness can make a difference."

@jac0bwolf I didn't even know you could donate pill bottles to an animal shelter #animalshelter #dogrescue #kindness #viral #animallover ♬ Married Life (From "Up") - Gina Luciani

Before donating, it's important to remove any labels and clean out any medication residue. GoodRx advises that a simple rinse with water usually does the trick, though a deeper wash with soap and warm water may be best for certain medications.

How it's helping

Plastic pill bottles are an example of common, unavoidable plastics in our lives — at least until more sustainable alternatives become widely available.

Reader's Digest notes that the amber-colored, opaque design of most pill bottles helps protect medication potency by shielding contents from moisture, sunlight, and air. The sturdy plastic is also key to ensuring safety, allowing for child-resistant caps and safe human handling.

Americans fill more than four billion prescriptions per year, according to GoodRx. That's an enormous amount of empty pill bottles. Unfortunately, most of these containers don't make it into recycling bins. Their small size and potential residue from medications mean they aren't accepted in curbside recycling.

Plastic pollution is one of the planet's biggest environmental challenges because of the sheer staying power of the synthetic material. Plastics linger in the environment for hundreds of years, breaking down into microscopic particles called microplastics that contaminate our air, soil, and waterways.

Scientists are still learning the full impact of these particles, but it's clear that they cause long-term damage. Microplastics have been linked to reproductive issues, cancers, inflammation, lung and liver problems, hormone disruptions, and more.

But the problem starts long before plastic becomes waste. The production of plastic also relies heavily on dirty fuels, contributing to pollution and rising global temperatures. Reducing and reusing plastic wherever possible is one of the simplest ways to help the planet.

What do you currently do with your old pill and vitamin containers? Throw them away 🗑️ Recycle them ♻️ Use them for something new 🧠 Donate them to charity 🙏 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Donating empty pill bottles to an animal shelter is a meaningful way to extend the life of unavoidable plastic, helping to reduce plastic waste. GoodRx recommends contacting local ASPCA locations to see if they're in need, though local rescues may also take donations, too. The medication platform also adds that local clinics and homeless shelters may accept bottle donations.

What everyone's saying

Wolf's wholesome TikTok quickly drew comments from people touched by his mom's simple act of kindness — and smart reuse of normally discarded plastic pill bottles.

"This is so sweet," one commenter wrote in response to the video. "I'm gonna start doing this."

"This is adorable," another commenter added.

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