Tyler Brooks
There are several ways to dispose of candles in the UK. One option is to recycle your old candles by sending them to a specialist company such as reCandled or The Recycled Candle Company. Another option is to repurpose the wax by making new candles or refilling old candle jars. If you are unable to recycle or repurpose your candles, you can dispose of them in your general waste bin, but it is important to remove the wax from the container first as it is not water-soluble and can cause issues in dishwashers and drainage systems.
How to dispose of candles in the UK
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling companies | The Recycled Candle Company Ltd, reCandled, The Wick and Wax Co. |
| Recycling process | Collection, Drop off, One-off Pickups, Regular Collection |
| Cost-saving methods | Using small parcels, price comparison websites, home collection services |
| Wax removal | Pour hot water into the jar, absorb floating wax with paper, wait for it to cool and pop it out, use the microwave |
| Wax disposal | Do not put down the sink or dishwasher, do not compost scented wax, compost unscented wax |
| Wick disposal | Put in the refuse bin |
| Container disposal | Reuse or repurpose glass jars, recycle aluminium sustainers |
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What You'll Learn
How to remove wax from containers
Removing wax from containers
There are several ways to remove wax from containers, depending on the type of container and whether you want to save the wax.
If you want to save the wax, place the container in the freezer for a few hours. The wax will freeze and can then be easily removed with a knife. You can also use ice cubes to achieve the same effect. Place the ice cubes in a plastic bag and hold the bag against the wax. Once the wax has hardened, carefully push it off with a plastic kitchen spatula, a credit card, or a nail file wrapped in a paper towel.
If you don't mind losing the wax, there are a few different methods you can use. One is to boil water in a pot and place the candle jar in a container over the pot. The wax will soften, and you can then remove it with a knife. Another method is to put the container in the oven on low heat until the wax begins to melt. Then, pour out the wax and wipe off the residue with a paper towel. Be careful, as the container will be very hot. Alternatively, you can pour very hot water directly into the container, causing the wax to float to the top. Let the water cool, and then pop out the disk of wax.
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Reusing candle jars
Cleaning the Jar
Start by removing any old labels by soaking the jar in hot water. This will help loosen the adhesive, making it easier to peel off the labels. To remove the wax, you can try a few different methods. One is to pour boiling water into the jar, allowing the wax to melt and float to the top. You can then remove the wax with a skewer or similar tool. Alternatively, you can place the jar in boiling water on the stove, which will also melt the wax. Remember to be careful when handling hot items.
Making New Candles
Once your jar is clean, you can reuse it to make new candles. You can purchase candle refill kits online, which provide new wax, wicks, and any additional materials you may need. Measure your jar before ordering to ensure you get the correct size wick for an even burn. You can also collect and melt leftover wax from old candles to create new ones.
Storage and Organisation
Clean candle jars can be used for storage and organisation, especially for small items such as jewellery, makeup, or cotton balls. They can help declutter your space while also adding a decorative touch.
Planters
Candle jars can make adorable planters for small succulents, cacti, or herbs. They can be gifted or used to decorate your space, bringing a touch of greenery indoors.
Other Creative Uses
Candle jars can be reused for various creative projects. For example, they can be filled with zero-waste items like cloth pads or face pads as a homemade gift. They can also be used to store paintbrushes or other craft supplies. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and find new ways to reuse your candle jars!
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Donating candles for recycling
The Recycled Candle Company is another organisation that accepts donations of old candles and wax from both businesses and individuals. They work with donors to develop a collection system that suits their needs, whether that's through regular collections, drop-offs, or one-off pickups. Unfortunately, it seems that The Recycled Candle Company has ceased trading, but there may be similar companies offering the same service.
If you have used candles and wax from Yankee Candle Company, Wood Wick, or Chesapeake Bay, you can recycle them through TerraCycle's free program. You can drop them off at your local Yankee Candle store or print a prepaid postage label from their website to ship them to TerraCycle.
For those who enjoy making candles, recycling old wax can be a fun DIY project. You can melt down the old wax and create new candles, either by following online tutorials or attending candle-making workshops offered by companies like Spread the Light Candles.
Finally, if you're unable to donate or recycle your candles, it's important to dispose of them properly. Separate the wax from the container, and reuse or recycle the container if possible. If the wax is contaminated with debris, matches, or tea light tins, it should be placed in the general waste bin.
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Composting candle wax
When it comes to composting candle wax, the type of wax is the most important factor to consider. While some waxes, like beeswax and soy wax, are compostable, others, like paraffin wax, are not.
Beeswax is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax. It is biodegradable and can be added to your compost pile. However, beeswax can take a long time to decompose fully, so it's recommended to break it down into smaller pieces first. A compost shredder can be useful for this purpose. Soy wax is another sustainable option that can be composted. Both beeswax and soy wax can take several months to a year or more to fully decompose, depending on factors such as the size of the wax pieces, the temperature of the compost, and the presence of microorganisms.
On the other hand, paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, is the most common type of candle wax. Unfortunately, it is not biodegradable and cannot be composted. Adding paraffin wax to your compost pile can potentially contaminate the soil and harm the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to dispose of paraffin wax properly by allowing it to cool and harden before placing it in the trash.
It is also important to note that scented candle wax should be avoided when composting, as the fragrances and dyes used may contain chemicals that can be harmful to your compost pile and the environment. Fragrance-free candle wax is a better option for composting. Additionally, if you have used wicks, it is recommended to place them in the refuse bin, removing any metal parts for recycling if possible.
If composting is not an option or you have non-compostable wax, you can consider reusing or repurposing the leftover wax. You can make new candles by melting down the leftover wax, pouring it into a new container with a wick, and allowing it to cool and solidify. This reduces waste and allows you to create custom candles. Leftover candle wax can also be used as a natural lubricant for sticky drawers and zippers, as well as a natural wood furniture polish.
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Sending candles for recycling by post
If you're looking to recycle your old candles by posting them, there are a few options available to you in the UK. One option is to send them to reCandled at the following address: reCandled, 44a Bulwer Road Leytonstone London E11 1BX.
Another option is to send them to The Recycled Candle Company Ltd, who have now ceased trading but still have some information available on their website. They recommend either posting via Royal Mail, staying within the parameters of a small parcel with dimensions of 45cm x 35cm x 16cm and weighing under 2kg, or using a courier price comparison website such as Parcel Monkey for larger quantities. They also suggest contacting them directly for larger quantities of wax (more than a carrier bag).
When sending candles for recycling, you can include any type of old candle, regardless of colour, scent, size, or container (including glass). You don't need to worry about removing leftover scraps like matches or tea light tins, as this will be taken care of during the refining process.
It's important to note that sending donations by post can be costly, so it may be worth considering other options such as drop-off locations or collection services where possible. These options are often provided by local communities, shops, libraries, and churches, so be sure to check for any nearby recycling points.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to dispose of candles is to recycle them. There are several companies in the UK that accept old candle donations, such as The Recycled Candle Company and reCandle. These companies melt down old candles and reuse the wax to make new candles.
To separate wax from the candle container, fill the container with hot water and let the wax float to the top. You can then use a paper tissue or kitchen roll to absorb the wax. Alternatively, you can wait for the wax to cool and pop it out, or try melting the wax in the microwave.
No, wax is not water-soluble and should not be put down the sink. Doing so will contribute to the 'fat burger' problem in sewers and will also clog up your dishwasher and drainage.
Metal candle containers can be cleaned and placed in the mixed recycling bin. Fragrance-free candle wax can be placed in the compost bin, but scented candle wax should be put in the refuse bin.
