Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to unwind and relax, but disposing of them can be tricky. Throwing them away in the trash is not a sustainable option, as the wax is not recyclable and the glass jars will not decompose for thousands of years. However, there are several eco-friendly alternatives to consider. You can repurpose the wax, melt it, freeze it, or compost it. The container can also be reused or recycled. Some manufacturers even offer recycling programs for their candle products. With a little effort, you can dispose of your candles in a way that is kind to the environment.
How to throw away a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax disposal | Solid candle wax can be disposed of in domestic and commercial general waste bins. |
| Wax can be reused in various ways, including making new candles. | |
| Wax can be composted or buried in the garden. | |
| Glass jar disposal | Glass jars can be recycled at a local bottle bank or a household waste recycling centre. |
| Glass jars can be reused for multiple purposes. | |
| Glass jars can be donated to a thrift store. | |
| Wick disposal | Wick remnants should be disposed of with general waste. |
| Candle recycling | Candles made by Yankee Candle Company, Wood Wick, and Chesapeake Bay can be recycled through TerraCycle's free recycling program. |
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What You'll Learn
Removing wax from the jar
Removing wax from a jar can be tricky, but there are several methods you can use. Firstly, you should always ensure that the wax is cool and dry before attempting to remove it. Here are some methods to try:
Freezing
Place the candle jar in the freezer overnight. Before doing so, try using a butter knife to make cuts in the wax. The cold temperature will help to freeze the wax, making it easier to remove. Once frozen, you can use the butter knife to pop out the wax. Breaking up the wax beforehand will make it easier to remove.
Boiling Water
Place the candle jar on a heat-safe surface. Boil a kettle and pour the boiling water into the jar, leaving some room at the top. The hot water will melt the wax, causing it to float to the top and harden as the water cools. Simply remove the wax once the water has cooled, and scrape away any remaining bits.
Oven
Place the candle on a baking sheet and put it in the oven at around 160 degrees Celsius. The wax should melt in 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, place the candle jar in a glass bowl over a pan of simmering water to melt the wax without heating the jar itself. Always be cautious when handling hot items.
After removing the wax, you can repurpose it for making new candles, or dispose of it in your general waste bin. The jar can be recycled or reused for various purposes.
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Reusing candle wax
Removing Wax from Containers
To reuse candle wax, you'll first need to remove it from its container. One method is to place the container in the freezer. As the wax freezes, it will shrink and pop out of the container easily. You can also try melting the wax by placing the jar in a preheated oven at its lowest temperature setting. Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax, as it may damage the glass. Alternatively, you can use the double boiler technique by simmering water in a large pot and placing a smaller pot with the candle inside. This method safely melts the wax, and you can then scoop it out for reuse.
Combining Wax for New Candles
Before melting leftover wax, ensure that all remnants are of the same type. You can melt and combine different coloured or fragrant wax pieces to create unique new candles. Purchase wicks and wick holders from craft stores, and follow online candle-making tutorials for guidance. Remember to always prioritise safety when working with hot wax.
Making Votives and Tea Lights
You can create your own votives by cutting a piece of wicking 2 inches taller than the votive holder. Knot one end, thread it through a wick tab, and tie the other end around a wooden skewer. Dip the wicking and tab into the melted wax to coat them, then press the tab to the holder's bottom. Pour melted wax into the holder, stopping 1/2 inch below the rim, and let it stand until it sets. For tea lights, you can use the same method but on a smaller scale, ensuring the wick is centred as the wax hardens.
Wax Sachets and Alternative Uses
Besides making new candles, you can explore other creative uses for your leftover wax. Make floral wax sachets, add the wax to a candle warmer, or get innovative by filling glass jars, small mugs, or even vintage teacups with your coloured or fragrant wax creations. Always ensure to follow safety precautions when working with hot wax, and enjoy the process of crafting and reusing!
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Recycling candle containers
Firstly, it's important to remove any remaining candle wax from the container. This can be done by freezing the candle jar overnight and then using a butter knife to pop out the frozen wax. You can also try placing the candle jar on a heat-safe surface and pouring boiling water into it, which will cause the wax to float to the top as the water cools. Alternatively, you can place the candle jar over a pan of simmering water to melt the wax and pour it out. Remember to always wear oven gloves when handling hot containers.
Once the wax is removed, it's important to clean the container thoroughly. This can be done by washing the jar with soap and water to remove any remaining wax residue. Ensure that the container is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
After cleaning, you can choose to repurpose the candle container for various uses, such as storage or decoration. Get creative and think of ways to give your container a new life! If you're not interested in reusing the container yourself, consider donating it to a thrift store. They may find a new home for it.
If you prefer to recycle the container, check with your local recycling guidelines to ensure that the material is accepted. Glass candle jars, for example, may not be recyclable at your local facility due to the specific type of glass used. However, they can still be recycled at a local bottle bank or household waste recycling centre (HWRC). Always remember to separate the wax from the container before recycling, as wax is not recyclable.
Lastly, some candle manufacturers offer recycling programs for their products. For example, Yankee Candle Company, Wood Wick, and Chesapeake Bay partner with TerraCycle to provide free recycling for their candle containers. Check with the manufacturer or look for similar programs to ensure your candle containers are responsibly recycled.
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Composting candle wax
When it comes to composting candle wax, the primary factor to consider is the type of wax used in the candle. While some types of candle wax, such as soy wax and beeswax, are compostable, others, like paraffin wax, are not. Paraffin wax, a petroleum-based product, is the most common type of candle wax. Unfortunately, it is not biodegradable and therefore cannot be composted. Adding paraffin wax to your compost pile can potentially contaminate the soil and harm the environment.
Beeswax, on the other hand, is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax. It is biodegradable and can be composted. However, it's important to note that beeswax takes a long time to decompose fully, ranging from several months to a year or more, depending on factors such as the size of the wax pieces, the temperature of the compost, and the presence of microorganisms. Therefore, it is recommended to break down beeswax into smaller pieces before adding it to your compost pile. A compost shredder can be useful for this purpose.
Soy wax is another type of candle wax that is compostable. Soy wax is made from soybean oil, which is derived from plants, making it a natural and biodegradable alternative to paraffin wax.
If you are unsure about the type of wax used in your candle, check the label. If the label states that the wax is made from 100% natural ingredients, it is likely compostable. However, if the label does not list the ingredients or the wax is made from synthetic materials, it is probably paraffin wax or another type of non-compostable wax.
It is worth mentioning that scented candle wax may contain fragrances and dyes that could be harmful to your compost pile and the environment. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid composting scented candle wax.
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Manufacturers' recycling programs
Yankee Candle, the second-largest candle manufacturer in the US, has partnered with TerraCycle to make 100% of its used fragrance products recyclable through a free shipping program. You can collect your empty glass vessel or other used Yankee Candle products and ship them to TerraCycle for free by printing a shipping label from their website. You can also drop off your used candles at your local Yankee Candle store.
Newell Brands, the parent company of Yankee Candle, WoodWick, and Chesapeake Bay Candle, has also sponsored a free recycling program through TerraCycle. You can send in your candle waste, and they will recycle it. To participate, create a TerraCycle account and download a free shipping label to ship your Newell Brands' home fragrance products and packaging to TerraCycle.
CheckSammy is another company that offers candle recycling services. They pick up, haul off, sort, and divert your candle waste. They recycle all candles and all parts of the candle, including the jar, wax, lid, and wick.
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