Maddie James
Recycling candles is an important step towards reducing waste and promoting sustainability. However, it is not as simple as recycling other materials, such as glass or plastic. The process of recycling candles involves burning the candle, removing the leftover wax, cleaning the jar, and then reusing or recycling the container. It is important to note that not all candles are recyclable due to their composition and materials, which include glass, ceramic, and tin. Proper candle care can also help extend the life of the candle and make the recycling process easier. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to recycle candles, including the steps to follow and the different methods for removing wax residue.
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What You'll Learn
Check the candle's material
The first step in figuring out if your candle is recyclable is to check what materials it is made of. Most candle jars are made of glass, which is widely recyclable. However, not all glass can be recycled. Most candles are made of borosilicate glass, which is durable and heat-resistant, but it is not accepted at most local recycling centres. Instead, take borosilicate glass to commercial recycling plants.
If your candle jar is made of soda-lime glass, which has a green or blue tint, it can be recycled, but it is not suitable for use with candles as it is unsafe when heated. Ceramic candle jars are commonly reused in construction materials, such as building materials and roads. Tin candle jars are accepted at most local recycling centres.
If you are recycling a glass candle jar from your business, put it in any glass bins you have and add it to your commercial glass waste collection. Make sure to remove any wax and wash out the jars before doing so.
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Remove wax with boiling water
Before recycling a candle, it is important to remove the wax. One way to do this is by using boiling water.
First, prepare your workspace by placing an old towel on a kitchen table or counter to catch any mess. Next, boil a pot of water. While the water is boiling, you can prepare the jar by breaking up the wax a little to make it simpler to pop out once it's melted.
Once the water has boiled, pour it directly into the candle jar, leaving some room at the top. The melted wax should then float to the top. Allow the water to cool and the wax to harden a little. Finally, simply pick out the wax. If there is any wax remaining at the bottom, repeat the process with more boiling water.
You can also try a similar method by placing the candle jar in the freezer for a couple of hours until the wax is frozen. Then, use a butter knife to pop the wax out of the container.
Other methods to remove wax include using oil, a hair dryer, paper towels, or an iron.
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Clean the jar
Before recycling your candle jar, it is important to ensure that it is completely clean and free from any residue. This extra effort guarantees that you are making an impactful contribution to sustainability. If your jar has any adornments, such as glitter, sequins, or stickers that you can't remove, try a different cleaning option.
One popular method for removing wax from candle jars is the boiling method. Start by boiling a pot of water. Place your candle jar on a protective surface, like a dish towel or a potholder, and pour the boiling water into the jar, filling it about three-quarters full. The hot water will melt the wax, causing it to float to the surface. Let the water cool completely before removing the wax. With your sink drain stopped, strain the water and dispose of any remaining candle bits. Be sure to remove all wax remnants from the sink before releasing the drain stopper, as wax can clog drains.
Another strategy for removing wax is to let the jar soak in warm water. Fill your sink with warm water, place a drain stopper, and remove the lid from the candle jar if it has one. Let the open jar sit in the sink for about 30 minutes. The warm water will release the wax at the bottom of the container, making it easy to pull out. Keep in mind that this method may remove the label on the jar.
If you have multiple candle jars to clean, the freezing method can be a time-saver. Place the jars in the freezer for a few hours or overnight until the wax is frozen solid. Then, remove the jars from the freezer and turn them upside down. The frozen wax should pop right out. If it doesn't come out easily, use a butter knife or spoon to press down on one corner of the wax and lift it out.
After removing the wax, you may need to clean any lingering wax residue or soot from the jar. Use warm water, soap, and a sponge to clean the inside of the jar, then wipe it dry with a dish towel or paper towel. For stubborn buildup, you can use an adhesive remover, such as Goo Gone.
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Reuse the jar
Candle jars can be reused for a variety of purposes. Before reusing, ensure that the jar is cleaned thoroughly by removing any leftover wax and residue. Here are some ideas for reusing candle jars:
- Organize your space: Candle jars can be used as storage containers to organize your kitchen cupboards, office space, or any other area in your home. They can hold items such as pens, pencils, or other stationery.
- Planting: Candle jars can be used as small planters for herbs or succulents. However, remember to add drainage stones to the jar before planting, as it doesn't have built-in drainage.
- Make new candles: Cleaned candle jars can be repurposed to make new candles. You can get creative by adding essential oils, seashells, flowers, or other decorative items that can withstand the heat of the wax.
- Other creative uses: Depending on their size and shape, candle jars can be reused for various purposes, such as storing small items like paper clips, rubber bands, or even makeup brushes. They can also be used as decorative pieces or vases for small flower arrangements.
Remember to consider the material of the candle jar when reusing. Most candle jars are made of glass, which is widely recyclable, but some may be made of ceramic or tin, which have different recycling requirements. Always try to reuse or recycle candle jars instead of simply throwing them away to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
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Send to TerraCycle
Yankee Candle has partnered with TerraCycle to create a recycling solution for used fragrance products. The program accepts all three of the brand's product lines: Yankee Candle, WoodWick, and Chesapeake Bay Candle, including auto and home fragrance products.
To send your empty products to TerraCycle, simply print a shipping label at TerraCycle.com/Yankee-Candle and send them to be recycled into new products. The program is free, and you can earn TerraCycle points by recycling with them. These points can be redeemed in the form of a donation to a school, charity, or nonprofit of your choice.
Please note that the TerraCycle program has an enrollment cap, and as demand continues to grow, you may be waitlisted before you can enrol. It is also important to remember that the program is brand-specific, so only the packaging of this particular brand can be recycled.
Before sending your products to TerraCycle, ensure that you have removed any remaining candle wax from the glass containers, as this cannot be recycled.
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Frequently asked questions
First, burn the candle to your heart's content. Once it's nearly finished, extinguish the flame and allow the wax to cool completely. Then, remove any leftover wax. You can do this by placing the candle in the freezer and using a butter knife to pop out the frozen wax. Alternatively, pour boiling water into the jar and let it sit overnight. The wax will float to the top and harden, and then you can remove it. Clean the jar thoroughly, removing any labels, and then recycle or reuse it.
Most candle jars are made from glass, which is widely recyclable. However, most candles are made from borosilicate glass, which is not accepted at most local recycling centers. Other candle jars are made from ceramic or tin. Ceramic is not typically accepted at local recycling centers, but can be recycled at commercial recycling centers. Tin candles are usually accepted at local recycling centers.
You can repurpose old candle jars for new candles or reuse them as containers or storage jars.
Wishcycling is when you put a used, dirty candle in the recycling, which can contaminate the entire batch if the wax gets on other items.
