What to do with used single-use eyedrops?

January 4, 2022 9:34 AM

Thanks to glaucoma, I have to use single-use eyedrops twice a day. It seems that these can't be recycled (though I'm still checking this) so I would like to find something to do with these little droppers.

I've asked but it isn't possible to have larger bottles because the preservative affects the active ingredient(s).

Does anyone have a suggestion, something they've seen ... crafty? Recycling program?

Happy New Year!

posted by bwonder2 to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

They're a weird shape and I can't think of much you could do with them besides hot glue them together and build shapes or even create walls and a roof to make a little house or something.

The only other thing I can think of is that maybe they could be melted down for use as filament in a 3D printer.
posted by dawkins_7 at 9:48 AM on January 4, 2022

If you’re not committed to a particular drop, you could try Bio true. They make a special bottle that allows the drops to be preservative-free without being single use. I like them a lot when I only need a medium-strength drop. I don’t think the single-use droppers can be recycled.
posted by Comet Bug at 10:23 AM on January 4, 2022 [1 favorite]

I would say rinse them out and in the summer, have a very small water fight with your friends.

If you do artistic dyeing or tie-dye, lots of droppers can be an asset.
posted by blnkfrnk at 10:31 AM on January 4, 2022 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I wonder if they would be accepted in the terracycle pouches?
posted by umwhat at 11:29 AM on January 4, 2022 [1 favorite]

It is probably not a good idea to rinse these out. Medications are a problematic municipal water contaminant.

If these are the vials I'm thinking of, you could consider cutting off the 'handle' part and using that for crafts, similar to popsicle sticks, provided that it is not contaminated with bodily fluids or medication.

Unfortunately, the safest way to dispose of them would probably be to dispose of them at approved medication takebacks. I believe that the DEA website has a list of takeback sites.
posted by aquamvidam at 11:52 AM on January 4, 2022

Best answer: What brand are they? umwhat’s excellent link lead me to this for Biotrue eye care recycling.
posted by Mizu at 11:56 AM on January 4, 2022