Brooke Martin
Recycling candles at home is a great way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. While the process may vary depending on the type of candle, most candle jars are made of glass, which can be widely recycled. Before recycling, it is important to ensure that the jar is clean and free of any wax residue. This can be done by using methods such as boiling water or freezing the candle to remove the wax. Additionally, some candle companies offer recycling programs, allowing consumers to send in their empty products for recycling. By recycling candles at home, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle while also creating custom-made candles that match their unique home décor.
Recycling candles at home:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Burn the candle until it's nearly finished, then extinguish the flame and let the wax cool completely. |
| Step 2 | Boil water and pour it into the candle jar to remove the wax. Alternatively, place the candle in the freezer for a couple of hours, then use a butter knife to pop out the frozen wax. |
| Step 3 | Clean the jar thoroughly, ensuring it is 100% clean before recycling. |
| Step 4 | Reuse the jar for a new candle, or repurpose it for storage or as a planter (with drainage stones). |
| Step 5 | If making a new candle, collect leftover wax from multiple candles and melt it in a pot of water on low heat. |
| Step 6 | Add colour or scent to the melted wax, if desired, but use small amounts to avoid affecting the burn. |
| Step 7 | Prepare the candle holder by measuring the wick length and securing it in place. |
| Step 8 | Pour the melted wax into the holder, allowing it to cool and form a firm top before adding more wax if using multiple colours. |
| Step 9 | Trim the wick with scissors or wick trimmers once the candle has fully set. |
| Commercial recycling | Companies like Yankee Candle have partnered with TerraCycle to provide free recycling solutions for their used fragrance products. |
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What You'll Learn
Removing wax with boiling water
To recycle candles at home, you must first remove the leftover wax from the jar. One way to do this is by using the boiling method.
First, burn the candle until it is nearly finished, then extinguish the flame and allow the wax to cool completely (typically for at least four hours). Place an old towel on your kitchen table or counter to create a designated workspace for the recycling process. Gather your single-use candles and arrange them on the towel.
Next, boil a pot of water. When the water is ready, carefully pour the hot water into the candle jar, filling the vessel approximately three-quarters full. The wax will liquify and float to the top. Wait for the water to cool and the wax to harden a little, then simply pick it out.
If the boiling step didn’t fully remove the wax, you can use a butter knife to gently dislodge the wax from the edges of the jar. Be sure to wipe down the inside of the jar and pick out any remaining wax. You can also use a heat gun to heat the wax and wipe it away.
Once you have removed the wax and wick from the jar, meticulously wipe away any lingering residue. Ensure the jar is impeccably clean, ready for recycling or repurposing.
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Removing wax by freezing
If you want to remove candle wax by freezing, you'll first need to collect your partially used candles. Place them in the freezer until the wax is completely hardened. This can take at least four hours.
Once the wax is frozen, take the candles out of the freezer. Use a butter knife or spoon to gently dislodge and lift the wax from the edges of the jar. Be careful not to damage the sheen or the wick. If you're removing wax from a delicate surface, like silk, gently lift out as much wax as you can with a spoon.
If there is any wax remaining in the jar, you can use a heat gun or hair dryer to melt it, or try the boiling water method. Place a paper towel under the jar, then carefully pour hot water into the jar, filling it about three-quarters full. The hot water will help to melt the remaining wax, which you can then wipe away.
If you're removing wax from fabric, you can use a paper bag and an iron to melt and absorb the wax. Place the paper bag over the wax stain and iron on the highest heat setting to melt the wax onto the paper. If the stain is still visible, stretch the fabric over a bowl and rinse it with very hot water.
For wax on rough surfaces like tile or cement, you can use ice to harden the wax, then use a plastic scraper to lift it out.
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Cleaning the jar
To recycle a candle at home, you'll first need to clean the jar it came in. This is important because any candle jars that still have wax residue should not be recycled until they are completely clean. If you put a used, dirty candle in the recycling, it could contaminate the entire batch if the wax gets on other items.
First, extinguish the flame and allow the wax to cool completely, which typically takes at least four hours. Then, prepare for wax removal by boiling a pot of water. Place an old towel on your kitchen table or counter to create a designated workspace for the recycling process.
When the water is boiling, carefully pour it into the candle jar, filling the vessel approximately three-quarters full. The wax will liquify and can then be poured out. If the boiling water step doesn't fully remove the wax, you can use a butter knife to gently dislodge it from the edges of the jar. You can also use a heat gun to heat the wax and wipe it away. Be careful with both of these steps.
After removing the wax and wick, meticulously wipe away any lingering residue to ensure the jar is impeccably clean and ready for recycling or repurposing.
If you have more than one candle to dispose of and some freezer space, you can try the freezer method. Place the candles in the freezer for a couple of hours, or until the wax is frozen, and then use a butter knife to pop the frozen wax out of the container. To make this process easier, try to break up the wax a bit before freezing to make it simpler to pop out once it's frozen. With the candle on a heat-safe surface, pour boiling water directly into the candle jar and leave some room at the top. Wait for the water to cool and the wax to harden a little, then simply pick it out.
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Repurposing the jar
Storage Containers
Clean candle jars can be used as storage containers for various items. For example, they can be used to store pens and pencils, helping to organise your kitchen cupboards or office space. You could also use them to store small items such as paper clips, rubber bands, or other office supplies.
Planters
Candle jars can be repurposed as planters for small succulents or herbs. However, it is important to note that most candle jars do not have drainage holes, so be sure to add some drainage stones at the bottom of the jar before planting.
New Candle Containers
If you enjoy making your own candles, clean candle jars can be reused as containers for your homemade creations. Simply clean out the jar, add a new wick, and pour in your melted wax. You can even experiment with different colours and scents to create unique, personalised candles.
Food Containers
Once thoroughly cleaned, candle jars can be used to store food items such as spices, herbs, or other dry goods. Just be sure that the jar is completely free of any wax residue before using it for food storage.
Cosmetic Containers
Clean candle jars can also be repurposed to store cosmetic items such as cotton balls, makeup brushes, or Q-tips. They can also be used to store homemade beauty products such as sugar scrubs or bath salts.
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Making new candles with recycled wax
Collect and Prepare the Wax
Start by collecting your partially used candles or leftover wax chunks. Separate the candles by colour and scent if you plan on creating specific colour or fragrance themes for your new candles. Use a flat screwdriver or butter knife to cut the wax into smaller pieces to make melting easier. You can also scrape wax out of jars or holders with a spoon and remove the wicks. It is important to note that not all candle wax is created equal; some may be made with natural waxes like soy or beeswax, while others may be paraffin-based. Try to avoid mixing different types of wax, as this can affect the burning quality of your new candle.
Melt the Wax
Prepare a large saucepan or pot with water and place it on the stove on low heat. Fill the pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle boil. Gradually add your wax pieces to the pot, stirring occasionally to break up any large chunks. You can also add some colour or fragrance to your melted wax if desired, but be sure to use small amounts and build up the intensity gradually. Essential oils, wax melts, or even leftover pungent wax scraps can be used to add scent and colour.
Prepare the Containers
While your wax is melting, prepare your containers or candle holders. You can reuse old candle jars or purchase new containers. Ensure your containers are clean and dry before pouring in the wax. If reusing old jars, remove any leftover wax and residue by using the boiling water method or placing the jars in the freezer to harden the wax for easier removal. Measure the needed wick length, ensuring it touches the bottom of the holder and stays straight. Position the wick upright and tight using a wick positioning tool or cocktail sticks, skewers, or similar items. Secure the wick in place with double-sided tape or stickers.
Pour and Set
Once your wax is fully melted and any additives are well combined, carefully pour the hot wax into your prepared containers. Fill the containers almost to the top, leaving a small gap that you can later top up with extra wax if needed. Allow the wax to cool and set completely, which may take several hours.
Finishing Touches
After your candle has fully set, trim the wick with scissors or wick trimmers. If you have extra-long offcuts, save them up and put them into a metal wick holder to create another functioning wick. Your recycled candle is now ready to burn! You can decorate the outside of the candle holder or add labels to personalise your creation. Remember to always burn your candles safely and never leave them unattended.
Creating new candles from recycled wax is a rewarding and eco-friendly practice. By following these steps, you can enjoy the process of crafting unique candles while reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
Removing wax from a candle jar can be done by placing the candle in the freezer for a couple of hours, or until the wax is frozen, and then using a butter knife to pop the wax out of the container. Alternatively, you can pour boiling water directly into the jar, wait for the water to cool, and then pick out the wax.
To clean candle jars, first ensure that all the wax has been removed. Then, if there is any glue residue from a label, soak the jar in hot water and scrub with soap and a sponge.
Candle wax can be recycled by melting it down and creating new candles. First, collect the wax from your old candles and melt it down in a pot of water on the stove. Then, prepare your containers by cleaning them and placing a wick in the centre. Finally, pour the melted wax into the containers and allow it to cool.
Old candle jars can be recycled or reused for a variety of purposes. Most candle jars are made of glass, which is widely recyclable. Once cleaned, they can also be reused as containers or for organisation, such as pen and pencil holders.
