Jessie Taylor
Recycling old votive candles is an effective way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Votive candles are often blessed and, as such, require respectful disposal. Burning them down entirely is one way to dispose of them, but this may present a hazard if the glass candle holders break. To recycle the glass, the wax must be removed, which can be done by freezing the candle and then popping out the contracted wax or by melting it using boiling water. The glass can then be reused or recycled at a commercial plant, but not at home or in local centres.
Recycling Votive Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Burn the candle to your heart's content. |
| Step 2 | Extinguish the flame and allow the wax to cool completely (typically at least four hours). |
| Step 3 | Boil water to help remove the remaining wax from the jar. |
| Step 4 | Place an old towel on your kitchen table or counter to minimise mess. |
| Step 5 | Clean off the soot and remove burnt wick pieces. |
| Step 6 | If the original holy images are still in good condition, you might be able to keep them if you're creative about melting the wax. |
| Step 7 | Put the candle in the freezer to allow the wax to contract and pop out. |
| Step 8 | Reuse or recycle the glass. |
| Other options | Give them away to other people who could use them. |
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What You'll Learn
How to clean old votive candles
To recycle old votive candles, the first step is to clean them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Firstly, gather all the votive candles you want to recycle and inspect them. If there is any remaining wick, remove it. Next, scrub the candles to remove any soot and worn-out images or decorations. You can also use boiling water to help melt away some of the wax, but be careful not to damage any images you want to keep. Alternatively, you can place the candles in the freezer, which will cause the wax to contract and pop out, leaving you with clean candle containers.
Once the wax has been removed, inspect the candle containers. If they are made of glass, you may be able to recycle them. Most candles are made of borosilicate glass, which is durable and heat-resistant but is not accepted at most local recycling centres. Instead, take borosilicate glass to a commercial recycling plant. If the glass has a green or blue tint, it is likely soda-lime glass, which is recyclable but rarely used for candles due to safety concerns.
If your votive candles are made from ceramic or tin, you can recycle these materials too. Ceramic is commonly reused in construction materials and can be recycled at commercial recycling centres, but it is not usually accepted locally. Tin candles, on the other hand, are typically accepted at local recycling centres.
Remember, it is important to ensure that any candle jars are completely free of wax residue before recycling. Contamination of other items with wax can cause issues in the recycling process, so always make sure your votive candles are 100% clean before recycling them.
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Removing wax from votive candle holders
The first step is to gather all your mostly-used votive candles and clean off the soot and burnt wick pieces. If there is minor wax residue, a quick, soapy bath should do the trick. However, if there is a lot of wax stuck to the bottom of your candle holder, this can be frustrating to deal with.
One way to remove wax drippings from candle holders is to place the candle holders in the freezer. This will make the wax easier to remove. You can then use a knife to scrape off the wax, but be careful not to scratch the holder as this can weaken it.
Another method is to place the candle holders in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Place the candle holders right-side up on the baking sheet and distribute any leftover wax you've collected into the holders. Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 15 minutes until the wax has melted. Remove the sheet from the oven and handle the holders with oven mitts or a dishtowel as they will be hot.
Alternatively, you can try boiling the candle holders in water. However, this method may damage the images on the candles and cause the glass to crack.
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Recycling votive candle holders
Cleaning the Candle Holders
Start by gathering all the used votive candle holders and cleaning them thoroughly. Remove any soot, burnt wick pieces, and worn-out labels or images on the holders. You can use boiling water to help melt and remove stubborn wax residue. It is important to ensure that the candle holders are completely clean and free of any wax residue before moving on to the next steps.
Determining the Material
Identify the material of your votive candle holders. Most candle holders are made of glass, ceramic, or tin. Glass candle holders, especially those made of borosilicate glass, should not be recycled at home or in local recycling centers. Instead, take them to commercial recycling plants. Ceramic candle holders can also be recycled at commercial recycling centers but are not typically accepted locally. Tin candle holders are the most recyclable option, as they are usually accepted at local recycling centers.
Reusing the Candle Holders
Before sending the candle holders for recycling, consider reusing them. You can give them a new look by adding new labels, images, or decorations. You can also use the clean candle holders to store items such as pillar candles, long matches, or even small items like coins.
Respectful Disposal
If you have blessed votive candle holders that you no longer wish to use or recycle, you can dispose of them respectfully by burning them or burying them. Burning is generally preferred, but if there is a risk of the glass breaking, burn the candles by themselves to avoid any hazards.
Recycling Facilities
When you are ready to recycle your votive candle holders, ensure that you take them to the proper recycling facilities. Glass and ceramic candle holders are typically recycled at commercial recycling centers, while tin candle holders can be recycled at local recycling centers. Always check with your local recycling guidelines to understand the specific requirements and accepted materials.
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Reusing votive candle wax
Recycling votive candles is a great way to reduce waste and conserve resources. Reusing candle wax opens up a world of creative possibilities, from crafting new candles to creating unique home decor. Here are some detailed, instructive tips for reusing votive candle wax:
Melting the Wax
Before reusing votive candle wax, it needs to be melted and removed from its container. One way to melt the wax is to place the jar or candle holder in the freezer. The wax will shrink and can easily be popped out. Alternatively, the jar can be placed in the oven at its lowest setting. Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax from a glass votive holder, as it may scratch or weaken the glass.
Combining Wax
If you have multiple votive candles with leftover wax, you can combine them to create new candles. Ensure that the waxes are all of the same type and that their scents will meld well together. Place the leftover wax in a heat-resistant container and slowly heat it until it melts completely. Keep a close eye on the wax to prevent overheating.
Creating New Candles
To create new votive candles, cut a piece of wicking that is 2 inches taller than the votive holder. Knot one end and thread it 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 votive holder, stopping 1/2 inch below the rim. Let it stand until it sets, about one hour. To even the well at the centre, pour more wax until it's 1/4 inch below the rim.
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Decorative Objects
Leftover votive candle wax can also be used to create decorative objects, such as fragrant pouches or floral wax sachets. Add a few drops of essential oil and place pressed flowers in the wax before it hardens. These handmade creations can be gift-worthy and environmentally friendly.
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How to dispose of votive candles
Votive candles are commonly collected by Catholics and can be recycled in several ways. It is important to note that not all candles are recyclable due to their composition and makeup, and single-use candles pose additional challenges in the recycling process. Here are some methods to dispose of votive candles:
Firstly, it is recommended to burn the candle as much as possible. Once the candle is nearly finished, extinguish the flame and allow the wax to cool completely, typically for at least four hours. This step ensures that the wax solidifies and can be easily removed from the jar.
To remove the remaining wax, boil a pot of water and use it to melt and clean out the wax residue. Place an old towel on your work surface to catch any drips and protect the surface from wax stains. You can also put the candles in the freezer, which will cause the wax to contract and pop out, leaving a clean jar. However, some people advise against this method, believing that freezing the candle stops the "money work" associated with it.
After removing the wax, ensure the jar is 100% clean before recycling. Wax residue on the jar can contaminate the entire batch of recycled items, a practice known as "wishcycling." Check the material of the jar, as different materials have specific recycling requirements. Glass candles, for example, are typically made of borosilicate glass, which is not accepted at most local recycling centres. Instead, borosilicate glass should be taken to commercial recycling plants. On the other hand, tin candles are usually accepted at local recycling centres.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of throwing away blessed votive candles, you can give them away to others who might still use them. Alternatively, you can burn them down entirely or bury them. Some people also choose to give their candles a makeover by adding new images or prayer prompts, melting and refilling the wax, and even asking a priest to re-bless them.
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