Maddie James
Many people are unsure what to do with leftover candle jars, but there are plenty of options to keep them out of landfills. Recycling is an option for most old jars made of clear soda-lime glass, but if you want to get creative, you can repurpose them for storage, DIY crafts, planters, vases, or bathroom organizers. You can also use them to store food, as long as they are thoroughly cleaned and any wax residue is removed. If you're feeling extra crafty, you can even make your own candles and put them in the leftover jars to give out as gifts. So before you throw away those empty candle jars, consider some of the many ways you can give them new life!
What to do with leftover candle jars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse | Storage for small items, e.g. paper clips, buttons, coins, batteries, nails, screws, cotton pads, lip glosses, pens, scissors |
| Food storage, e.g. jams, jellies, preserves, curds, salads, overnight oats | |
| DIY crafts, e.g. vases, planters, bookends, candle holders, fairy lights, terrariums | |
| Soap dispenser | |
| Window garden | |
| Diffuser | |
| Liquor glasses | |
| Recycle | Clear soda-lime glass jars can be recycled |
| Local candlemakers may offer a discount in return for used candle jars |
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What You'll Learn
Use them for storage
Leftover candle jars can be used for storage in a variety of ways. Firstly, they are great for storing small items that would otherwise clutter up your home or office. For example, you could use them to store paper clips, buttons, or spices in larger jars, and things like batteries, nails, screws, coins, or rubber bands in smaller jars. Clear jars are particularly useful for this purpose as you can easily see what you're storing. You can also use them to store homemade jams, jellies, preserves, and curds, although you should be aware that jars being used for food storage should be thoroughly cleaned and any wax residue removed.
You can also use empty candle jars to store food that you've prepped for later in the week, such as salads or overnight oats. If there's liquid in the jar, like salad dressing, keep it on the bottom layer so the rest of the ingredients don't get soggy. You can also use the jars for storage when you go to the grocery store, providing you don't have to weigh the contents.
Candle jars can also be used for storage in the bathroom. For example, you can fill them with Q-tips or cotton pads, or use them to store lip glosses or lip balms. You can even transform an empty candle jar into a stylish soap dispenser with a few simple steps. Clean the jar thoroughly, remove all wax residue, and ensure it's dry. Find a pump dispenser that fits the jar's opening or adapt one from an old bottle. You may need to drill a hole in the jar's lid or modify it to fit the pump securely. Fill the jar with your favourite liquid soap, attach the pump, and you're done!
Finally, you can use candle jars for storage in other creative ways. For example, you could use them as a "junk jar", throwing in items like matchboxes, rubber bands, matches, and random wires for a slightly less chaotic storage method. Alternatively, you could use them to store loose tea bags, or place one by your front door and keep it filled with essentials like gum, cash, masks, keys, and so on.
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Recycle them
Recycling is an option for most candle jars made of clear soda-lime glass, but many candles are made of other types of glass to increase heat resistance or dyed glass to make the candle more attractive. Before recycling, it is important to remove the wax. This can be done by freezing the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to remove, or by pouring hot water to melt the wax and wiping it clean. A gentle scrub with a mixture of warm water and vinegar can be used for stubborn residue.
To remove labels or stickers, soak the jars in warm, soapy water for a few hours or overnight. Then, gently peel off the label. For any remaining adhesive, apply a mixture of baking soda and cooking oil, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a soft cloth.
Once the wax and labels have been removed, the jars can be recycled. However, it is important to note that candle jars cannot be recycled with regular glass jars. They are made of heat-treated or special glass that cannot be thrown in with regular glass recycling. Check with your local recycling guidelines to see if they accept candle jars, or look for a recycling program specifically for candle jars, such as TerraCycle.
Some people also choose to upcycle their candle jars by using them for storage, DIY crafts, planters, vases, or bathroom organizers. However, if you are unable or unwilling to recycle the jars yourself, you can offer them to local artists or candlemakers who may be able to use them for their own creations. Schools or community centers may also be interested in using the jars for art or craft projects.
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Make them into a gift
Leftover candle jars can be repurposed in many ways to create thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Homemade treats:
Fill the cleaned and decorated candle jars with homemade cookies, granola, spiced nuts, jams, jellies, or preserves. Personalize the jars with labels, ribbons, or strings to add a unique touch to your gift.
Storage solutions:
Larger candle jars can be transformed into elegant storage containers for small items such as paper clips, buttons, or spices. You can also use them to organize makeup, separating items like mascaras, eyeliners, and perfume into different jars. Decorate the jars with twine, paint, or fabric to match the recipient's style or the interior design theme.
Eco-friendly soap dispenser:
Follow a few simple steps to turn your candle jar into a unique, eco-friendly soap dispenser. First, thoroughly clean the jar, removing any wax residue, and ensure it's dry. Drill a hole in the lid or modify it to fit a pump securely. Fill the jar with liquid soap, attach the pump, and you've crafted a charming addition to any sink.
New candles:
Collect leftover wax from your candles and melt them together to create new candles in the leftover jars. Providing the scents complement each other, this can be a sustainable and fragrant gift.
Zero-waste kits:
Fill the cleaned candle jars with zero-waste items like cloth pads or face pads, or other eco-friendly products. This idea transforms the jar into a thoughtful gift for someone looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Repurposing candle jars is an eco-friendly practice that adds a creative and personal touch to your gifts. With a bit of imagination, you can create unique presents while reducing waste.
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Use as a vase
Leftover candle jars can be reused as vases for fresh or dried flowers. This is a creative and sustainable way to repurpose the jars instead of throwing them away.
To use a candle jar as a vase, start by cleaning the jar thoroughly to remove any wax residue and ensure it's dry. You can then trim a few pretty flowers or use dried flowers and add water to create a stylish mini vase. If you're feeling creative, you can even customise the jar with labels or decorative elements to achieve a cohesive and stylish look.
For a unique twist, you could fill the jar with violets or roses to emulate the scent of the candle that was previously in the jar. Alternatively, you could combine leftover wax with essential oils to create a personalised scented candle in the jar, providing the scents don't clash.
Leftover candle jars can also be used for various other purposes, such as storage containers, planters, bathroom organisers, or even as a trendy desk accessory.
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Turn them into a planter
If you're looking to repurpose your leftover candle jars, why not try turning them into planters? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Removing Wax and Residue
First, you'll need to remove any remaining wax and residue from your candle jars. You can do this by placing the jars in the freezer for about half an hour to harden the wax, making it easier to pop out. Alternatively, you can gently heat the jars on a stovetop using a double boiler or place them in a low-temperature oven (200°F) upside down on a tray lined with parchment paper until the wax drips out. To remove stubborn residue, scrub the jar with a mixture of warm water and vinegar, or baking soda and cooking oil, using a soft cloth or steel wool pad.
Planters for Small Herbs and Succulents
Once your jars are clean and dry, you can transform them into elegant planters for small herbs or succulents. Succulents are a great choice as they are low-maintenance and add a touch of greenery to your space. You can find succulents at your local garden centre or nursery.
Decorating Your Planters
To make your new planters more decorative, consider personalizing them with paint, ribbons, or decals that match your decor. You can also fill the jars with seasonal decorations, such as pine cones, pine needles, or dried flowers, which can add subtle, pleasant scents to your home. Get creative and have fun with this step!
Caring for Your Plants
Remember to choose plants that are suitable for the amount of sunlight and water your space provides. Most succulents and small herbs prefer bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained soil. Be sure to research the specific needs of your chosen plants to ensure they thrive in their new homes.
Displaying Your Planters
Display your new planters on a windowsill, shelf, or table to add a touch of nature to your home. You can even create a mini garden by grouping several planters together. Enjoy the beauty and serenity that your new planters bring to your space!
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Frequently asked questions
Leftover candle jars can be recycled or reused.
Before recycling, ensure the jar is cleaned out. To do this, you can freeze the jar to make the wax brittle and easier to remove, or pour in hot water to melt the wax and wipe it clean.
Leftover candle jars can be used for storage, DIY crafts, planters, vases, and bathroom organisers.
Leftover candle jars can be used to store items such as Q-tips, cotton pads, pens, paper clips, lip glosses, coins, tea bags, and small wires.
Yes, it is important to ensure that any wax residue is removed and that the jar is thoroughly cleaned before reusing, especially if it will be used for food storage. Additionally, it is recommended to use paint that can handle high heat if painting the jars.
