refill

Refill is the act of replenishing the contents of a container or supply after it has been used. The term applies across a variety of contexts, including beverages, medicines, cosmetics, ink cartridges, and fuel. A refill can involve adding more of the same substance to reach a desired level or replacing the spent amount entirely.

In consumer packaging, refill concepts range from the use of reusable or refillable containers to dedicated refill stations and programs. Customers bring containers to stores or kiosks and fill them with products such as cleaning agents, personal care items, or beverages. Refill systems aim to reduce packaging waste and resource use, though their environmental impact depends on factors such as transport, washing, and the materials involved.

In medicine and pharmacy, a refill (or prescription refill) authorizes dispensing additional quantities of a prescribed drug without a new prescription. Refills are limited by the prescriber’s instructions, local regulations, and the medication’s safety considerations; some drugs require renewed authorization after a certain period or dosage.

Beyond consumer goods, refilling underpins practices in printers and other equipment (ink or toner cartridges) and in energy supply (fuel refills). Policy and industry efforts to promote refills include deposit-return schemes, refillable packaging standards, and consumer awareness campaigns aimed at reducing waste.