Brooke Martin
Candles are a popular way to create a cosy atmosphere, with Americans spending over $3 billion on them each year. However, with this popularity comes a responsibility to dispose of candle containers and wax sustainably. While recycling candles isn't as simple as recycling a plastic bottle, it is possible to do so in a way that reduces waste and promotes sustainability. The process depends on the materials used, such as glass, ceramic, or tin, and the type of wax, which can be paraffin, soy, or beeswax. This guide will explore the steps to recycle candle containers and wax, as well as alternative disposal methods for a greener approach to candle waste.
Are Candles Recyclable?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Not all candles are recyclable due to their composition and makeup. |
| Recycling Process | Burning the candle, removing the wax, cleaning the jar, and recycling or reusing the jar. |
| Wax Removal Methods | Boiling and melting, freezing, oven, or pouring boiling water. |
| Jar Reuse Ideas | Storage, fragrance pouches, donation to thrift stores, or repurposing for other uses. |
| Commercial Recycling | Commercial recycling plants accept borosilicate glass, ceramic, and tin candle jars. |
| Local Recycling | Tin candle jars are accepted at local recycling centers. |
| Wax Repurposing | Remelt and repurpose wax for new candles or other uses like fragrance pouches. |
| Sustainable Alternatives | Reusable, refillable, and eco-friendly candles are available. |
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What You'll Learn
Candle wax can be repurposed
One way to repurpose candle wax is to melt it down and create new candles. This can be done by freezing the candle, using a butter knife to break up the wax, and then melting the wax in an oven or by pouring boiling water over it. The melted wax can then be poured into a new mould to create a fresh candle. Alternatively, the wax can be mixed with another type of wax, although this may alter the smell, colour, and consistency.
For scented candles, the wax can be melted down and placed in small pouches to freshen up stale areas like drawers, wardrobes, or even cars. This is a great way to introduce fragrance to small spaces.
Candle wax can also be disposed of in general waste bins, but it is important to ensure that the wax is cool and dry first. Warm or melting wax can stick to the bin or waste bag and pose a fire risk. To dispose of wax in a bin, it is recommended to wrap it in an empty packet, such as a crisp packet, before placing it in the bin.
In addition to repurposing the wax, the containers of glass, ceramic, or tin candles can be reused or recycled. Glass candle jars, in particular, can be used for storage or donated to thrift stores. However, it is important to note that not all glass is recyclable, and the type of glass used for most candles is not accepted at local recycling centres. Ceramic and tin candles are more likely to be accepted at local recycling centres, but it is crucial to ensure that all wax residue is removed before recycling to avoid contaminating the batch.
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Glass, ceramic, and tin are the most common candle materials
Glass is the most popular candle container, but it is not always recyclable in local recycling facilities. This is because the glass used in jar candles is chemically different from the food and beverage glass containers that typical recycling facilities handle. Most candles are made of borosilicate glass, which is more durable and heat-resistant but is not accepted at most local recycling centers. On the other hand, soda-lime glass is recyclable, but most glass candles do not use this material as it is unsafe when heated. When in doubt, assume that a glass candle is made with borosilicate glass and take it to a commercial recycling plant.
Ceramic candles are also not typically accepted at local recycling centers but can be recycled at commercial recycling centers. Recycled ceramic is often reused in construction materials like driveways, roads, and building materials.
Tin candles are the most recyclable option as they are accepted at most local recycling centers. They are a great option if you are shopping for single-use candles.
Before recycling any candle jar, it is important to ensure that it is completely clean and free of wax residue. If a used, dirty candle is put in the recycling, it can contaminate the entire batch if the wax gets on other items. This is called "wishcycling" and can do more harm than good. There are several methods to clean a used candle, including boiling water to melt and remove the wax, freezing the candle to pop out the wax, or using an oven to melt the wax.
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Commercial recycling plants accept borosilicate glass
Recycling candles is an effective way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. However, the process is not as straightforward as recycling other items like water bottles. The composition and makeup of candles mean that not all candles are recyclable, and single-use candles, in particular, present challenges during the recycling process.
Most candles are made of glass, ceramic, or tin. Glass candles, specifically, can be made from borosilicate glass or soda-lime glass. Borosilicate glass is durable, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for candles. However, this type of glass is not typically accepted at local recycling centres. On the other hand, soda-lime glass is recyclable but is rarely used for candles as it is unsafe when heated.
Before taking borosilicate glass to a commercial recycling plant, it is important to ensure that any candle wax residue is completely removed. Wax contamination can affect the entire batch of recycled glass, a phenomenon known as "wishcycling." To clean the candle jars, individuals can use methods such as boiling water to melt and remove the wax or freezing the jar to pop out the hardened wax.
Additionally, borosilicate glass is an eco-friendly choice due to its low carbon footprint. The production process involves heating silica and boron oxide at lower temperatures than plastic manufacturing, resulting in reduced energy consumption. Borosilicate glass is also made from naturally occurring materials, further reducing its environmental impact.
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Local recycling centres accept tin candles
Recycling candles is a great way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. However, due to their composition and makeup, not all candles are recyclable. The first step in determining whether your candle can be recycled is to check what material it is made of. Most candles are made of glass, ceramic, or tin.
Tin candles, though they may not look as luxurious as glass or ceramic candles, are a more environmentally friendly option. This is because almost all tin candles are accepted at local recycling centres, whereas glass and ceramic candles are not. Glass candles, in particular, pose a challenge as most are made of borosilicate glass, which is not accepted at most local recycling centres. While soda-lime glass is recyclable, most glass candles do not use this material as it is unsafe when heated.
If you have a candle made of tin, you can recycle it at a local centre. However, it is important to ensure that any candle jars are completely clean and free of wax residue before recycling. This is because if wax gets on other items in the recycling batch, it can contaminate the entire batch, a process called wishcycling. There are several methods to clean a used candle, including the boiling method, where you boil water and pour it into the jar, allowing the wax to float to the top and harden as the water cools. You can then simply pick out the wax and scrape away any remaining bits before washing the jar with soap and water.
If your local recycling facilities do not accept candle jars, you may need to research commercial recycling centres in your area to ensure the candle jar doesn't end up in a landfill.
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Removing wax residue from candle jars
There are several ways to remove wax residue from candle jars, and most methods require household items. Here are some of the most common methods:
Freezing
Place the candle jar in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. Wax shrinks when it is frozen, allowing it to separate from the walls of its container. After removing the jar from the freezer, flip it upside down and gently tap the bottom of the jar. The wax should fall right out. If it doesn't, you can stick a butter knife between the wax and the glass and pop it out by pushing down on the knife handle.
Boiling Water
Fill a sink or a pot with enough boiling water to cover the wax residue in the jar. Place the jar in the water and let it sit for a few minutes to warm the wax. The wax will melt and float to the surface. Let the water cool completely before removing the wax. With your sink drain stopped, strain the water and remaining candle bits. Be careful not to pour the wax down the drain, as it will re-solidify and cause clogs.
Oven
Preheat your oven to 150-200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the candle jar upside down on a sheet of aluminium foil on a baking pan. Stay close by in case of any mishaps. After 15 minutes, the wax should have melted and pooled on the foil. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and take the jar out using an oven mitt.
Hair Dryer or Heat Gun
Place the jar on a flat, heat-resistant surface, such as a wooden cutting board. Avoid using plastic, as it can be damaged by direct heat. Turn on the hair dryer or heat gun to the lowest setting and target the wax until it becomes soft and starts to melt. Wipe away the melted wax with a paper towel or cloth. Repeat as needed.
After removing the wax from the jar, you can wash the jar with soap and warm water to remove any remaining residue. You can also use baby oil or dish soap to ensure the jar is spotless. Once clean, the jar can be reused for storage, decoration, or even as a new candle holder.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the materials they are made of. Most candles are made of glass, ceramic, or tin. Glass candles are typically made of borosilicate glass, which is not accepted at most local recycling centers. Ceramic candles are also not usually accepted at local recycling centers but can be recycled at commercial recycling centers. Tin candles are the most easily recyclable, as they are accepted at most local recycling centers.
Glass candles can be recycled at commercial recycling plants. However, it is important to ensure that the candle jar is completely clean and free of any wax residue before recycling.
There are several ways to clean wax out of a candle jar, including:
- Boiling water and melting the wax
- Freezing the wax and then popping it out
- Putting the candle in the oven at a low temperature
Yes, candle wax can be recycled through companies like The Recycled Candle Company, which collects leftover candle wax to refine and repurpose. Alternatively, you can repurpose candle wax yourself by melting it down and making new candles.
Yes, candle jars can be reused for a variety of purposes, such as storage or fragrance pouches. They can also be donated to thrift stores or given to local artists or candlemakers for reuse.
