Ben Carter
Candles are a popular way to create a cosy atmosphere, but disposing of them responsibly is important to minimise their environmental footprint. While it may be tempting to simply toss them in the trash, this is not always the best option. Traditional candles are often made from paraffin wax, which is synthetic and not easily biodegradable, so it is important to separate the wax from the container before disposal. Glass jars and metal tins are typically recyclable, but it is important to clean out any remaining wax and wick debris first. Some companies, like Yankee Candle, also offer recycling programs where you can drop off or ship your used candles for proper disposal. Alternatively, you can reuse candle wax in various ways, such as making new candles or adding it to a compost pile.
Characteristics and values regarding candle disposal
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can candles be tossed out with normal trash? | Yes, but it is not environmentally friendly. |
| How to dispose of candles responsibly | Remove excess wax, recycle or repurpose the container, dispose of wax thoughtfully. |
| Eco-friendly alternatives | Reuse the wax to make new candles, compostable candles like Candle Pearls™ can be composted or buried in the garden. |
| Recycling candle wax | Not economically viable for local councils and authorities, general waste is the only option for disposal in most cases. |
| Disposing of glass candle jars | Clean out any remaining wax and wick debris, then place the container in the appropriate recycling bin, or take it to a local bottle bank or HWRC. |
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What You'll Learn
Reuse candle wax
While candle wax cannot be recycled, there are several ways to reuse it. Here are some suggestions:
Melt and Reform
Small amounts of leftover wax can be melted down and reformed with a fresh wick to make new candles. To melt the wax, place the candle jar in the oven at a low temperature, around 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, you can place the jar in the freezer, which will cause the wax to shrink and pop out more easily. Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax from a glass container, as this may scratch or weaken the glass.
Make Votives
You can make your own votives using the leftover wax. Cut a piece of wicking from a craft store, about 2 inches taller than your votive holder. Knot one end and thread the other through a wick tab. Dip the wicking and tab into the melted wax to coat them, then press the tab to the bottom of the holder. Pour the melted wax into the holder, stopping about half an inch below the rim, and let it stand until it sets.
Floral Wax Sachets
You can create fragrant floral wax sachets by melting down the leftover wax and pouring it into a small mold of your choosing. Add a few drops of essential oil and place some pressed flowers in the wax. Allow the wax to harden, then remove it from the mold.
Fire Starters
Combine wax flakes with cedar shavings and dried flowers or herbs to create fire starters. Place the mixture into the cups of an egg carton set on a sheet pan lined with wax paper.
Candle Warmers
Leftover wax can be added to a candle warmer to release fragrance.
Remember, when reusing candle wax, ensure that you are only combining the same types of wax. Enjoy getting creative and finding new uses for your leftover candle wax!
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Recycle candle containers
Although candle wax isn't recyclable, the tins and
- Manually remove as much old wax as possible with a spoon. For firmer parts, use a butter knife to chip away the wax.
- Try melting or freezing the wax for easier removal. To melt the wax, line a baking pan with parchment paper and arrange the candle containers upside down on top. Place the pan in an oven set at 180 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Before putting the candle in the freezer, use a butter knife to make cuts in the wax. After freezing, the wax will be easier to break and remove.
Once the wax has been removed, clean out any remaining wax residue, soot, and burned wick pieces with paper towels. Inspect the container for any chips or cracks, as these imperfections may make it unsafe to reuse with a lit candle. If the container is intact, it can be recycled or reused for various purposes, such as storage jars, planters, or decorative pieces.
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Compostable candle alternatives
While traditional candles are made from paraffin wax, which is synthetic and not compostable, there are now compostable candle alternatives available. These candles, such as Candle Pearls™, are made from natural ingredients that can be added to a compost pile or buried in your garden to decompose.
If you are looking for compostable candle alternatives, it is best to opt for candles made from renewable waxes. This includes plant waxes like soy and coconut wax, which can be recreated as demand increases. These candles are not only eco-friendly but also economical, as the wax can be reused to make new candles by melting and reforming it with a fresh wick.
Another option is to choose candles in compostable or recyclable containers. Glass jars and metal tins are typically recyclable, but it is important to clean out any remaining wax and wick debris before placing them in the recycling bin. Some candles, like Candle Pearls™, come in containers that can be composted along with the wax.
In addition to compostable candles, there are also other eco-friendly alternatives to traditional scented candles. These include:
- Wax melts and tarts: These are similar to traditional candles but without the flame and VOCs. They can be made from renewable waxes and natural fragrances like essential oils.
- Electric wax warmers: These are a great alternative to scented candles without the pollution. They slowly melt wax melts and release their scent into your home.
- Essential oil diffusers: These use jet nozzles or ultrasonic vibrations to create a stream of pressurized air or a fine mist of essential oil particles, respectively. They provide a natural and clean scent while offering the added benefit of moisture in the air.
- Reed diffusers: These vase-like vessels filled with fragrance oil and thin reeds offer a longer-lasting fragrance of up to a year, depending on the size of the reed. They are low-maintenance and only need refilling when the aroma dies down.
- Room sprays and mists: These can be made with all kinds of ingredients, including vodka, witch hazel, or essential oils, and can be sprayed around the home for a lasting scent.
- Natural elements: Decorating your home with fragrant dried spices like nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon, or dried fruits like lime, orange, and lemon can create a light and refreshing scent. Bringing in pine branches or flowers can also add a fresh fragrance to your space.
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Drop off at Yankee Candle store
While tossing candles into the trash is an option, it is not an environmentally friendly one. The wax in candles, whether paraffin, soy, or beeswax, cannot be reprocessed. Similarly, the glass jars that candles often come in cannot be recycled in your local recycling facility, as the glass is chemically different from food and beverage glass containers.
If you want to dispose of your old Yankee Candles responsibly, you can drop them off at your local Yankee Candle store. Before you do so, it is recommended that you call ahead to verify that they accept used candles for recycling. If there is no drop-off location nearby, you can visit the Yankee Candle website to print a prepaid postage label to ship your used candles to TerraCycle.
If you are unable to get to a Yankee Candle store, there are other ways to dispose of your candles. One option is to repurpose the wax and candle containers. You can remove the wax by freezing the candle overnight and then breaking it or placing it in the oven to melt. You can then reuse the wax to make new candles by melting and reforming it with a fresh wick. The containers can be cleaned out and reused as storage jars, planters, or decorative pieces, or recycled in some cases.
Another option is to look for more sustainable alternatives, such as Candle Pearls™, which are compostable and can simply be added to a compost pile or buried in your garden.
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Bury compostable wax in the garden
While it is possible to throw paraffin wax in the garbage, it is not an eco-friendly option. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and does not decompose naturally.
If you have compostable wax from candles, such as Candle Pearls, you can bury it in your garden. This is an eco-friendly alternative to throwing it away. The wax will decompose naturally, enriching your garden with organic material.
To bury the wax in your garden, follow these steps:
- Ensure that the wax is cool and has hardened.
- Remove the wick and any remaining wax from the container.
- Dig a hole in your garden. The depth of the hole will depend on the amount of wax you have. As a precaution, it is recommended to bury the wax at least a few inches deep to avoid attracting pests.
- Place the wax in the hole and cover it with soil.
- Mark the spot where you buried the wax, so you know to avoid planting in that exact spot in the future.
By burying compostable wax in your garden, you can dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way, contributing to a nutrient-rich garden.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can throw away candles with your normal trash. However, it is better to reuse or recycle candles.
To dispose of candles responsibly, separate the parts of your old candle. Remove any leftover wax by freezing the candle jar and allowing the wax to pop out more easily, or by melting it in the oven. Clean out any remaining wax and wick debris, then place the container in the appropriate recycling bin.
Leftover candle wax can be reused to make new candles by melting and reforming them with a fresh wick. Candle wax can also be composted or buried in your garden.
