Ben Carter
Glass candle jars are among the most wasteful items humans discard. Not only does glass take up to 4,000 years to decompose, but it is also one of the most polluting materials on Earth. Fortunately, glass is one of the easiest products to recycle, and empty candle jars can be repurposed in numerous ways. From creating unique candle holders to serving as elegant storage containers, there are endless possibilities for giving new life to half-finished jar candles.
What to do with half-finished jar candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repurpose the jar | Store cotton balls, Q-tips, makeup brushes, bath salts, pens, paper clips, scissors, lip gloss, loose tea bags, coins, etc. |
| Repurpose the wax | Melt the wax and mix with essential oils to make new candles |
| Recycle the jar | Remove the wax and recycle the glass jar |
| Regift the jar | Some local candle makers offer discounts in exchange for used candle jars |
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What You'll Learn
Clean out the jar and reuse it for storage
Glass candle jars are among the most wasteful things humans discard. Glass takes up to 40 centuries to decompose, and it is one of the most polluting materials on the planet, causing harm to countless animals. Therefore, it is important to reuse or recycle glass candle jars.
To clean out a jar candle, you can place it in the freezer for half an hour so that the wax hardens and is easier to remove. You can also heat the jar upside down in a low-temperature oven (less than 200 degrees F) until the wax drips out. Another method is to use the double-boiler method, where you place the jar in a bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water. This ensures the wax melts without the jar getting dangerously hot. Alternatively, you can pour boiling water directly into the jar, leave it to cool, and then remove the wax once it has hardened.
Once the wax is removed, you can reuse the jar for storage. Here are some ideas:
- Store cotton balls, Q-tips, makeup brushes, or bath salts in the bathroom.
- Use it as a soap dispenser.
- Store pens, paper clips, or scissors on your desk.
- Use it as a vase for flowers.
- Store loose tea bags, herbs, or small items in your pantry.
- Use it as a piggy bank.
- Store rubber bands, matches, or wires in a "junk jar".
- Use it to store essentials by your front door, such as gum, cash, masks, lip balm, or keys.
- Store food items such as dry beans, grains, or other bulk items.
- Use it as a planter for small herbs or succulents.
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Recycle the jar
Glass candle jars are one of the most polluting substances on Earth, taking up to 40 centuries to decompose. However, they are also one of the easiest waste products to recycle, and repurposing them for your household is a great way to give them a second life.
Before recycling your candle jars, it is important to ensure that they are clean and free of any wax residue. One way to do this is to place the jar in the freezer for about half an hour, which will harden the wax and make it easier to remove. You can then use a butter knife to pop out the frozen wax. Alternatively, you can fill the jar with hot water to melt the wax, which can then be poured out. The remaining wax can be melted and reused to make new candles or tea lights.
Once your candle jars are clean, there are endless possibilities for repurposing them. You can use them for storage in your bathroom for items such as cotton balls, Q-tips, makeup brushes, or bath salts. You can also transform them into stylish soap dispensers by adding a pump dispenser that fits the jar's opening. In the kitchen, they can be used to store dry goods such as beans, grains, tea bags, or spices. They can also be used for food preparation, such as overnight oats or salads, or for food fermentation if the glass is food-safe.
Candle jars can also be used for decorative purposes. They can be painted or decorated with twine, ribbons, or fabric to match your interior design theme. They can be used as vases for flowers or plants, although it is important to add drainage stones if you plan to plant directly into the jar. They can also be used as unique candle holders, fairy lights, or even a terrarium.
By recycling and repurposing your candle jars, you can not only reduce waste and pollution but also create beautiful and functional items for your home.
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Make a new candle
Making a new candle from your half-finished jar candles is a fun and sustainable way to reuse them. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own unique candle:
Step 1: Remove the Old Wax
Start by removing the leftover wax from your half-finished candle. You can do this by placing the jar in the freezer for about half an hour to harden the wax, making it easier to pop out in one piece. Alternatively, you can use the double-boiler method by boiling water in a pot and placing the jar in a bowl set over the pot. The warm water will melt the wax, which you can then pour into a disposable container.
Step 2: Clean the Jar
Once the wax is removed, thoroughly clean the jar to get rid of any residue. You can use a mixture of oil and baking soda, scrubbed onto the jar with a steel wool pad, to remove any stubborn stickers or labels. Wash the jar with soap and water, ensuring it is completely clean and dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Prepare the New Wax
Now, it's time to prepare the new wax for your candle. You can purchase candle refill wax kits online or from specialty stores. Alternatively, you can collect and melt down the leftover wax from multiple candles to create a unique scent. If you're using new wax, follow the package instructions for melting and preparing it. Don't forget to add your favourite essential oils to the melted wax for a personalised fragrance.
Step 4: Add the Wick
Measure the width of your jar and purchase an appropriate-sized wick. Cut the wick to size, leaving a little extra length, and secure it in place using a skewer, chopstick, or similar item to wrap the excess around. Ensure the wick is centred and secure before pouring in the wax.
Step 5: Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the melted wax into your cleaned and prepared jar. Take your time with this step to avoid spilling. Leave some space at the top of the jar to allow the wax to expand and contract.
Step 6: Let it Set
Allow the wax to cool and set completely. This may take several hours, depending on the size of your candle. Once the wax has hardened, you can trim the wick to the appropriate length, and your new candle is ready to burn!
By following these steps, you can create beautiful, personalised candles from your half-finished jar candles, reducing waste and enjoying your unique creations.
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Use it as a vase
Glass candle jars can be reused as vases for flowers or plants. Before using the jar as a vase, it is important to clean it thoroughly and remove all wax residue. This can be done by freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to remove, or by pouring hot water into the jar to melt the wax, which can then be wiped away.
Once the jar is clean, it can be decorated with twine, paint, or fabric to enhance its appearance and make it fit any interior design theme. For example, painting cleaned candle jars with heat-resistant paint can create decorated votives.
Candle jars can be used as vases for fresh or dried flowers, or even small houseplants. They can be placed on a side table or used as a focal point for a dinner party table. If using the jar for a plant, it is important to note that the jar does not have drainage, so adding drainage stones is necessary unless the plant is potted separately.
Candle jars can also be used for regrowing food scraps, such as green onions, celery, leafy vegetables, or bean sprouts, by placing the scraps in water and providing sunlight. However, it is important to ensure that the glass is food-safe if using it for food preparation or storage.
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Return it to the candle maker
Returning half-finished jar candles to the candle maker is a great way to reduce waste and support sustainable practices. Many candle makers, like the one mentioned in a Reddit post, have systems in place to encourage the return of used candle jars. This particular candle maker offers a drop-off point, often at a local store, for all types of used candle receptacles and provides incentives such as small gifts or discounts in return. For example, you might receive a tea light for a bag of used jars or a percentage off your next purchase. Not only does this practice help reduce waste, but it also adds a unique touch to the candle maker's market stalls, showcasing their commitment to sustainability.
When returning your half-finished jar candles, ensure that you follow any specific guidelines provided by the candle maker. Some makers may have partnerships with local businesses for drop-off points, making it convenient for customers to return their jars. It is also beneficial to inquire about any rewards or discounts offered for returning your jars, as this can vary depending on the candle maker.
Before returning your jars, it is important to properly clean them to remove any remaining wax and residue. One effective method is to freeze the jar, which hardens the wax and makes it easier to remove in one piece. Alternatively, you can place the jar in a low-temperature oven or use a double boiler to melt the wax, which can then be disposed of separately. Remember to also remove any labels or stickers from the jar, either by soaking the jar in hot water or using a mixture of oil and baking soda with a steel wool pad for more stubborn residue.
Returning half-finished jar candles to the candle maker not only promotes sustainability but also allows you to support local businesses and potentially save money on future purchases. By embracing this practice, you contribute to a more circular economy and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. So, the next time you finish a candle, consider returning the jar to the maker and playing a part in creating a greener world.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to repurpose half-finished jar candles:
- Storage for small items like paper clips, buttons, or cotton balls.
- A vase for flowers.
- A container for homemade balms or bath salts.
- A new candle by adding wax and essential oils.
To clean half-finished jar candles, you can place them in the freezer to make the wax brittle and easier to remove. You can also pour hot water into the jar to melt the wax and wipe it clean.
Yes, glass candle jars are one of the easiest waste products to recycle. However, make sure to remove the wax from the jar before recycling.
To remove the wax, you can try the following methods:
- Place the jar in the freezer for a couple of hours until the wax is frozen, then use a knife to pop it out.
- Pour boiling water directly into the jar and let the wax float to the top. Wait for the water to cool and the wax to harden, then remove it.
