Chloe Adams
There are many ways to dispose of a candle once it's burnt out. While some people throw them away, others repurpose the leftover wax or the jar. Repurposing wax involves melting it down and reusing it for wax melts, letter seals, or fire starters. The jar can be reused as a pot for pens, makeup brushes, or toiletries. Some people also choose to bury the wax or compost it.
What to do when a candle is done burning
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse the wax | Make wax melts, use as fire starters, use for crafts (e.g. letter seals) |
| Dispose of the wax | Place in the trash, ensuring it is sealed in a bag |
| Reuse the container | Clean with hot water and reuse as a pot for pens, makeup brushes, toiletries, paper clips, etc. |
| Dispose of the container | Throw away in the trash |
| For spell candles | Bury the wax in your yard, or at a crossroads if banishing |
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Reuse the wax
If you're looking to reuse candle wax, there are several things you can do. Firstly, you'll need to melt the wax. This can be done using a double boiler, or by placing the jar in hot water. Another method is to place the jar in the oven at its lowest setting. You can also melt the wax in a saucepan over a low heat, or in the oven in a coffee can. Be sure not to put a jarred candle in the microwave.
Once the wax is melted, you can pour it into a new mould. You can make your own candles by purchasing wicks and empty tealight cups from a craft store, or online. You can also make crayons by pouring the melted wax into crayon-shaped moulds. If you want to add colour to your wax, combine it with a pigment in a cup before pouring it into a mould.
You can also use the wax in a wax burner or wax melter to gently fragrance your home. To make these 'wax melts', pour the melted wax into small moulds, such as an ice cube tray, and add colouring, essential oils, or decorations. You can also make fragrance pouches by cutting the solidified wax into small pieces and placing them in a small linen pouch.
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Recycle the container
When recycling candle containers, the first step is to remove any leftover wax. This can be done by freezing the candle jar, allowing the wax to shrink and pop out more easily. You can also try using a butter knife or long metal spoon to break up the wax before freezing, making it simpler to pop out once it's frozen. Another method is to use the boiling water method, where you fill the candle jar three-quarters full with boiling water, causing the remaining wax to melt and rise to the surface. Allow the jar to cool, then remove the wax with a butter knife or similar tool. It is important to ensure that the jar is completely clean before recycling, as wax residue can contaminate the entire batch if it gets on other items.
Once the wax has been removed, the container can be recycled or reused. Glass jars and metal tins for used candles are typically recyclable, but it is important to check with your local recycling facility, as not all glass types are accepted. For example, most candles are made of borosilicate glass, which is not accepted at most local recycling centers. If the container cannot be recycled, it can be reused for a variety of purposes, such as a storage jar, planter, or decorative piece.
If you are unable to recycle or reuse the container yourself, there are other options available. You can donate the container to a thrift store or leave it in a common area of your building for someone else to snap up. Additionally, some manufacturers partner with companies like TerraCycle to offer free recycling programs for their products. For example, Yankee Candle Company, Wood Wick, and Chesapeake Bay candles can be recycled through TerraCycle's program.
Before purchasing candles, it is important to consider their end-of-life disposal. "Precycling" involves thinking about what you can do with an item after it has fulfilled its primary use. By choosing candles with recyclable or reusable containers, you can reduce waste and promote sustainability.
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Bury the wax
Burying candle wax in your garden is a natural way to dispose of it. The wax will decompose over time, enriching your garden with organic material. If you are attracting things, bury the wax in your yard. If you are banishing, bury it away from your house, perhaps at a crossroads.
However, some people believe that burying candle wax can be harmful to the environment. Before burying wax, consider the impact on the environment. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of burying wax, there are other ways to dispose of it. You can melt the wax and repurpose it for crafts, such as making new candles, wax melts, or letter seals. You can also compost the wax if it is made from natural, compostable ingredients.
To remove wax from a jar, place the jar in the freezer. This will allow the wax to shrink and easily pop out. Never use a knife or a sharp object to remove wax from a glass holder, as this might scratch or weaken the glass. Another way to remove wax is to place the jar in a pan of simmering water, melting the wax so that it can be poured out.
If you cannot reuse the wax, seal it in a bag and place it in your regular trash bin.
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Compost the wax
When a candle is finished, it is common to throw it away and start another one. However, this is wasteful and can be damaging to the environment. There are several ways to reuse or repurpose leftover candle wax. Composting is one such method, but it is important to consider the type of wax used in the candle.
Paraffin wax, the most common type of candle wax, is derived from petroleum and is not biodegradable. Therefore, it cannot be composted and should be disposed of properly. Adding paraffin wax to a compost pile can contaminate the soil and harm the environment.
On the other hand, natural waxes like beeswax and soy wax are biodegradable and can be composted. However, they take a long time to decompose fully, ranging from several months to a year or more. To speed up the process, it is recommended to break the wax into smaller pieces before adding them to the compost pile. A compost shredder can be useful for this purpose.
Beeswax has gained popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wraps. It can also be used as a natural wood furniture polish, creating a protective layer and a subtle shine. Soy wax is another sustainable option that can enrich compost while reducing waste.
If composting is not an option or if you have paraffin wax candles, there are other ways to reuse or repurpose the leftover wax. One popular method is to 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 process reduces waste and allows for custom candle creation.
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Make wax melts
Making wax melts is a great way to repurpose leftover candle wax and create a delightful fragrance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own wax melts:
Melting the Wax
First, ensure you have leftover wax from candles you want to repurpose. You can melt the wax in several ways. One method is to use a double boiler on the stovetop. Fill a large pot or saucepan with an inch or two of water and place it on low to medium heat. Place your wax in a heat-resistant container, such as a glass pitcher or metal can, and once the water boils, place the container inside the pot. Lower the heat and maintain a gentle simmer. As the water evaporates, periodically add more water. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer. Alternatively, you can use a wax melter, which is an appliance specifically designed for melting wax. Place the solid wax into the melter, and once melted, pour it into a container.
Another option is to melt the wax in the oven. Preheat the oven to its lowest setting, remove any labels or stickers from the candle jar, and place it inside. However, avoid using the microwave as it may damage your appliance and cause safety issues. If your candle is almost completely melted, you can simply let it burn until the wax liquefies. Be cautious, as the glass can become very hot and may break.
Preparing the Molds
While the wax is melting, prepare your molds. Choose heat-resistant molds made of silicone or similar materials. Avoid using plastic as it may melt. Place a protective layer like a paper towel or cardboard underneath the mold to catch any spills.
Pouring and Setting
Once the wax is completely melted, carefully pour it into your molds. Fill the molds almost to the top, avoiding overfilling to prevent spills. Allow the wax to cool and harden before removing it from the molds. This ensures the wax retains its shape. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the molds in the refrigerator.
Storing and Using Your Wax Melts
Store your newly made wax melts in clean, dry containers. You can reuse the original candle jars to help you identify the scent. Keep them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain their scent and colour. Wax melts can be used in a candle warmer or tart warmer to release their fragrance. Enjoy your homemade wax melts and the delightful aroma they bring to your space!
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Frequently asked questions
Leftover candle wax can be melted down and reused for other purposes. You can use moulds to create wax melts, or pour the melted wax onto cardboard or cotton pads to create long-burning fire starters.
If you cannot reuse leftover candle wax, seal it in a bag before placing it in your regular trash bin.
To maximise the life of your candle, trim the wick to around 6mm before each burn. This will prevent black residue from forming around your candle jar. You should also avoid burning your candle for longer than four hours at a time.
Store your candle in a cool, dark, dry place with the lid on to prevent dust and debris from gathering on the surface.
