Maddie James
Spent candles can be recycled, but it's not as simple as tossing them into the recycling bin. The first step is to separate the parts of the candle, removing any leftover wax and wicks. This can be done by melting the wax with boiling water, freezing the candle and then breaking the wax out, or placing the candle in an oven on low heat for a few moments. Once the wax is removed, it's important to clean the jar thoroughly to remove any residue. After that, the jar can be recycled or reused. Glass candle jars are widely recyclable, but it's important to check with local recycling centers, as some types of glass may not be accepted. Tin candle containers are also recyclable, but it's important to ensure that they are completely clean before recycling.
Recycling spent candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Glass, ceramic, tin |
| Glass type | Borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass |
| Glass jar disposal | Clean the jar, remove wax residue, repurpose or recycle |
| Removing wax | Boil water in the jar, freeze the candle, place in the oven, use a butter knife |
| Wax disposal | Compost wax if made with natural wax and non-toxic fragrances |
| Tea lights | Recyclable, made from aluminium |
| Tin | Recyclable at local centres |
| Commercial recycling | Commercial recycling plants accept borosilicate glass |
| Local recycling | Local centres accept soda-lime glass and tin |
| Reuse | Candle jars can be reused for storage or as containers for new candles |
| Precycling | Consider the afterlife of a product before purchasing |
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What You'll Learn
How to remove wax from candle jars
Glass jars from candles are not recyclable in your local recycling facility. This is because the glass used in jar candles is chemically different from the food and beverage glass containers that your typical recycling facility handles. However, if you want to recycle your candle jars, you must ensure they are completely clean. Here are some ways to remove wax from candle jars:
Using Boiled Water
The boiling water method is one of the most common ways to remove wax from candle jars. First, bring a saucepan of water to a boil on the stove. Ensure that there is enough water to fill the glass jar or candle container. Place the jar on a flat, heat-resistant surface, such as a wooden cutting board, and avoid using a plastic cutting board as it will soften under direct heat and can easily be damaged. When the water has boiled, pour it into the jar, covering the wax residue. Let the hot water sit for a few minutes to soften the wax. Pour the water into the sink, and you may find that some chunks of wax have popped loose and dropped into the sink. Use a dishcloth or old sponge to wipe away any remaining wax.
Using the Freezer
The National Candle Association recommends the freezer method to remove wax from candle jars. Place the candle jar in the freezer for an hour or so, allowing the wax to shrink and easily pop out. If there is leftover wax along the insides of the container, try running hot water over the exterior of the candle holder. Make sure the glass is at room temperature before running it under hot water, and then use a cloth to wipe away the melted wax.
Using a Heat Gun
Place the jar on a flat, heat-resistant surface and turn on a hair dryer or heat gun to the lowest setting. Target the wax with the heat until it becomes soft and starts to melt. Wipe away the melted wax with a paper towel or cloth. Continue this process slowly and steadily, and you will wipe away a little more wax each time the glass is heated.
After removing the wax and wick from the jar, wipe away any lingering residue. If your local recycling facilities accept candle jars, recycle them according to the guidelines in your area.
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Methods to clean candle jars
Glass jars are not recyclable in your local recycling facility. This is because the glass used in candle jars is chemically different from the food and beverage glass containers handled by typical recycling facilities. However, you can repurpose the wax used in candles and candle containers. Here are some methods to clean candle jars:
The Boiling Method
- Boil enough water to fill the candle jar, leaving an inch of space at the top.
- Carefully pour the hot water into the jar.
- The heat will cause the candle wax to melt and rise to the top.
- Once the water has completely cooled, the wax will solidify, making it easy to remove.
- Ensure your sink drain is stopped, then carefully strain the water and any candle remnants.
- You may choose to save the wax for future use.
The Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil and place your spent candles upside down on the foil.
- Place the baking sheet into the heated oven.
- Keep a close eye on the candles; after about 15 minutes, the wax should pool on the foil.
- Take the baking sheet out of the oven and set it on a heat-safe surface.
- Remove the jars using an oven mitt.
- Let each candle jar cool before cleaning with soap and warm water.
The Freezing Method
- Place your used candle jar in the freezer and leave it overnight.
- The next day, remove the jar and gently turn it upside down.
- The wax should pop out due to its reduced size.
- If the wax remains stubborn, gently apply pressure with a spoon or butter knife at one corner of the wax to nudge and remove it.
Once the wax has been removed, you might need to clean out lingering wax residue or soot left on the glass. To do so, use warm water, soap, and a sponge to clean the container before wiping it dry with a dish towel or paper towel. For stubborn buildup, use an adhesive remover, such as Goo Gone.
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Repurpose candle wax
Spent candles can be a pain to dispose of, especially when you consider that tossing them in the trash contributes to our waste problem. However, there are several ways to repurpose candle wax.
One method is to melt the remaining wax and use it in a variety of ways, such as adding it to a candle warmer or making gift-worthy floral wax sachets. To melt the wax, place your candle in a small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer, and once the wax is melted, remove the old wicks with tongs and toss them out. You can also melt wax in the oven by preheating the oven to its lowest setting and placing the jar inside, but make sure to remove any labels or stickers first.
Another way to remove candle wax is to place the jar in the freezer. This allows the wax to shrink and easily pop out when removed from the freezer. However, never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax from a glass votive holder, as it might scratch or weaken the glass.
Once you have removed the wax, you can repurpose it in several ways:
- Make your own candles by pouring the melted wax into a new container with a wick and letting it set.
- Create wax melts by pouring the wax into small moulds of your choosing and adding a few drops of essential oil.
- Use the wax with a wax burner to gently fragrance the air with your favourite scent.
- Make miniature versions of your favourite wicked waxes, also known as "tealight candles".
- Seal envelopes with a dollop of melted wax, using a wax seal stamp, a wine cork, or the back of a spoon to press the wax into your desired shape.
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Recycle candle jars
Recycling candle jars is a great way to be more environmentally conscious. However, it is not as simple as tossing the entire candle away. Before recycling, it is important to remove the wax and ensure the jar is impeccably clean. If you put a used, dirty candle jar in the recycling, it could contaminate the entire batch if the wax gets on other items. This is called "wishcycling", and it does more harm than good.
There are several ways to remove wax from a candle jar. One common method is the "boiling method". First, boil a pot of water. Place an old towel on a flat surface, like your kitchen table or counter, to create a designated workspace for the recycling process. Then, pour the boiling water into the candle jar, filling it about three-quarters full. The hot water will melt the remaining wax at the bottom of the jar, causing it to rise to the surface. Wait a few hours until the jar has cooled and the wax has solidified. Finally, use a butter knife or a similar tool to gently dislodge and remove the wax from the jar.
Alternatively, you can freeze the candle jar to remove the wax. Before placing the candle in the freezer, use a butter knife to make cuts in the wax. After it has frozen, the carved marks will help you break and remove the wax from the jar.
Another method is to place the candle on a baking sheet and put it in the oven at about 160 degrees Celsius for 10 to 15 minutes. The wax will melt, and you can then pour it into a container that you plan to throw away. Do not pour melted wax down the drain, as it will clog your pipes.
Once the wax is removed, be sure to wipe down any remaining residue. If your local recycling facilities accept candle jars, recycle them according to the guidelines in your area. If not, you may need to research commercial recycling centres to ensure the candle jar doesn't end up in a landfill.
Candle jars can also be reused or "precycled". For example, you can use them as storage containers for items like pens and pencils, or for household tasks like holding bulk items purchased during a big holiday sale.
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Drop-off locations for candle recycling
While candle wax isn't recyclable, there are several ways to recycle your old candles, candle wax, and candle jars.
Local Yankee Candle store
You can drop off your used candles at your local Yankee Candle store. It is recommended to call ahead to verify that they accept used candles for recycling.
TerraCycle
TerraCycle and Newell Brands have partnered to create a free national recycling program. You can send in your Yankee Candle, WoodWick, and Chesapeake Bay Candle waste to be recycled. You can download a free shipping label to ship your Newell Brands' home fragrance products and packaging to TerraCycle. Once collected, the products and packaging are cleaned and separated by material type, then recycled into raw formats for manufacturers to create new products.
The Recycled Candle Company
The Recycled Candle Company accepts old wax, which they turn into new fragranced candles.
Donation centers
Many donation centers, like Goodwill, accept lightly used candles and upcycle remaining wax. You can also contact your favorite thrift shops and other donation sites to ask about candle donations.
Local options
You can also research local options for places that upcycle or reuse candles in your area.
Other ways to recycle candles
Repurpose the wax
You can repurpose the wax used in candles and candle containers. Removing the wax can be tricky, but you can try freezing the candle and using a butter knife to cut the wax into small pieces. You can then melt the wax, filter it through a sifter or strainer, and store it for later use.
Recycle the jars
The glass or tin jars that candles come in are often recyclable. Simply remove the wick and any remaining wax, then clean the jars thoroughly. Once cleaned, you can repurpose the jars for new candles or reuse them as containers.
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Frequently asked questions
To recycle a candle, you must first remove any leftover wax. This can be done by placing the candle in the freezer, using a hairdryer, or pouring boiling water into the jar. Once the wax is removed, the jar must be cleaned thoroughly before being recycled.
Leftover candle wax can be reused in various ways, such as by making new candles or using it for crafting. Depending on the type of wax, it can also be composted.
Candle jars can be recycled at local bottle banks or household waste recycling centres. If the jar is made of tin, it can be recycled at local recycling centres, whereas glass jars may need to be taken to commercial recycling plants.
