Tyler Brooks
Candles are a popular product, with Americans spending over $3 billion on them each year. However, disposing of candles can be a sustainability challenge. While it is possible to throw candles away in the trash, this is not an environmentally friendly option as the wax and glass jars will not decompose. Instead, it is possible to separate the wax from the candle container and repurpose the wax and container for other uses.
How to dispose of candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Throwing away candles | Not environmentally friendly as glass jars take 4,000 years to decompose |
| Recycling candles | Difficult as wax cannot be reprocessed and glass jars are chemically different from food and beverage containers |
| Removing wax from jars | Pour boiling water into the jar, let it sit, remove hardened wax, and wash with soap |
| Recycling candle jars | Possible after removing wax and cleaning off any remaining glue or paper |
| Reusing candle wax | Can be melted and repurposed to make new candles |
| Donating candle jars | Possible after removing wax and cleaning the jar |
| Recycling through partnerships | Some manufacturers partner with TerraCycle to offer free candle recycling programs |
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What You'll Learn
How to remove wax from candle jars
There are several ways to remove wax from candle jars, and most methods involve either freezing or melting the wax. Here is a step-by-step guide to four of the most common methods.
Freezing
Place the candle jar in the freezer for at least a couple of hours or overnight. The wax will freeze and shrink, making it easier to pop out of the jar. If it doesn't come out on its own, use a butter knife or spoon to loosen it. Scrape off any remaining wax residue, then wash the jar with warm water and dish soap to remove any oily residue.
Melting with Hot Water
Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Place the room-temperature jar on a flat, heat-safe surface, such as a wooden cutting board, and pour boiling water into the jar, filling it about halfway. The wax will melt and float to the top. Let the water cool, then pour it out into the sink, being careful to use a sink strainer to catch the wax and prevent it from clogging your drain. Wash the jar with warm water and dish soap to remove any remaining residue.
Oven
Preheat your oven to 180-200°F (80-95°C). Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminium foil or parchment paper. Place the candle jars upside down on the pan and put the pan in the oven for 45-60 minutes until the wax is fully melted. Remove the jars from the oven and let them cool. The wax will harden as it cools, making it easier to pop out of the jar. Wash the jar with soap and water to remove any remaining residue.
Heat Gun or Hair Dryer
Place the jar on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Turn on a heat gun or a hair dryer to the lowest setting and target the wax until it becomes soft and starts to melt. Wipe away the melted wax with a paper towel or cloth. Repeat as needed until all the wax is removed.
After removing the wax, you can reuse the jar for various purposes, such as a vase, catchall, or cocktail glass. You can also save the wax to make new candles. However, it is important to never pour wax down the drain, as it can cause clogging. Instead, allow it to harden and then throw it in the bin.
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Recycling candle jars
Before recycling candle jars, it is crucial to ensure that they are impeccably clean and free from any wax residue. One popular method to remove wax is by using the boiling water method. Here are the steps:
- Burn the candle as close to the end as possible.
- Once the candle is nearly finished, extinguish the flame and allow the wax to cool completely, typically for at least four hours.
- Boil water and pour it into the candle jar, filling it about three-quarters full. The hot water will melt the remaining wax, causing it to rise to the surface.
- Cover the jar and let it sit overnight. The wax will float to the top and harden.
- Remove the hardened wax. If there is any remaining wax, repeat the process with boiling water.
- Wash the jar with soap and warm water to ensure it is pristine and ready for recycling.
Alternatively, you can place the candle jar in the freezer. Once the wax is frozen, use a knife to pop out the wax. You can also use products like Goo Gone to remove any sticky residue or labels from the jar.
Some candle companies, like Yankee Candle, have partnered with TerraCycle to offer free recycling programs for their used fragrance products. You can drop off your empty candle jars at a local store or print a prepaid postage label to ship them for recycling.
If your local recycling facilities do not accept candle jars, you may need to research commercial recycling centers in your area to ensure the jar doesn't end up in a landfill. Additionally, you can choose to repurpose or upcycle your candle jars for various uses, such as planting succulents, storing hair ties, jewellery, or crafting projects.
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Melting wax to make new candles
If you're looking to dispose of candles, it's worth noting that wax can be reused in several ways. Candle wax can be melted and used to make new candles, or for other projects like floral wax sachets, fire starters, or homemade wax melts.
Before melting the wax, it's important to separate it from the candle container. This can be done by placing the jar in the freezer, allowing the wax to shrink and pop out easily, or by pouring boiling water into the jar and letting it sit overnight. The wax will float to the top and harden, after which it can be removed. Another method is to place the jar in the oven at its lowest setting, melting the wax, which can then be scooped out.
Once the wax is removed, it can be melted and reused. One way to melt the wax is by using the double-boil method, where you take a pot or a metal bowl, melt the wax, and then pour it into a pitcher to mix fragrances or essential oils. When combining the remnants of several candles, ensure they are all the same type of wax.
To make a new candle, cut a piece of wicking from a craft store, about 2 inches taller than the votive holder. Knot one end and thread it through a wick tab, then tie the free end around a wooden skewer. Dip the wicking and tab into the melted wax to coat them, then press the tab to the bottom of the holder. Rest the skewer on the rim and pour in the melted wax, stopping about half an inch below the rim. Let it stand until it sets, which usually takes about an hour. To even out the well in the center, pour more wax until it's a quarter inch below the rim.
Alternatively, you can pour the melted wax into small molds of your choice, add a few drops of essential oil, and place pressed flowers in the wax before letting it harden. You can also reuse the candle container for a variety of purposes or donate it to a thrift store.
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Donating containers to thrift stores
If you're looking to dispose of candles, you may be able to donate the containers to a thrift store. However, it's important to note that the wax must be completely removed first. There are several methods you can use to remove candle wax, including:
- Boiling water: This method involves pouring boiling water into the candle jar, covering it, and letting it sit overnight. The wax will float to the top and harden, after which you can remove it. If there is any remaining wax, you can repeat the process.
- Freezer: Place the candle jar in the freezer for a couple of days. Once the wax is frozen, you can use a butter knife to pop it out.
- Stove: Place the candle jar in a pot of water on the stove and heat it until the wax liquifies. Then, pour out the liquified wax.
- Goo Gone: Peel off as much of the label as you can, then spritz the remaining label with Goo Gone and let it sit for a minute. Scrub off the rest of the label and wash the jar with warm soapy water.
Once you've removed the wax, you can donate the containers to thrift stores such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army. These organizations accept a wide range of household items, including kitchenware, small appliances, bedding, furniture, home decor, and more. The proceeds from the sale of donated items go towards funding community-based programs and services that support individuals and families in need.
When donating to thrift stores, it is recommended to donate items that are new or gently used. It is also a good idea to contact the donation center beforehand to find out their hours of operation and what items they accept, as this can vary by location.
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Manufacturers' recycling programs
While candles are notoriously difficult to recycle, some manufacturers have partnered with TerraCycle to create free programs for recycling their products.
One such manufacturer is Yankee Candle Company, which offers recycling for three candle brands: Yankee Candle, Wood Wick, and Chesapeake Bay. You can drop off your used candles at your local Yankee Candle store or print a prepaid postage label from their website to ship them to TerraCycle for recycling.
Newell Brands, which includes Yankee Candle, WoodWick, and Chesapeake Bay Candle, also offers a free recycling program through TerraCycle. You can download a free shipping label to send your home fragrance products and packaging to TerraCycle for recycling. To earn reward points, your shipment must weigh at least 15 pounds, and these points can be redeemed for donations to charitable organizations or schools of your choice.
It is important to note that before recycling candle jars, you must separate the wax from the container. This can be done by placing the candle jar in the freezer, boiling water, or a pot of heated water. Once the wax is removed, the jar can be recycled.
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Frequently asked questions
You can separate the wax from the candle container and recycle the container. You can melt the wax and make a new candle, or donate it to a thrift store.
You can place the candle in the freezer and once the wax is frozen, it can be popped out with a butter knife. Alternatively, you can pour boiling water into the candle jar, leave it overnight, and then remove the hardened wax.
No, wax cannot be reprocessed.
