How to Recycle Candles

Co-authored by Filip Kabashi

Last Updated: May 29, 2024 Approved

If you are someone who enjoys burning candles, you may have half empty candle jars or disfigured pillar candles sitting around that you are not able to use anymore. Purchasing brand new candles to replace them can be expensive, but you can recycle them at a fraction of the cost right in your own kitchen. These new creations can be custom made to match your home décor and you can use a variety of candle holders that make them one of a kind. Follow these steps to recycle candles you may have in your home.

Steps

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Purchase additional candles at discount dollar stores or yard sales. Separate the candles by color and scent if needed. Use a flat screwdriver or butter knife to cut the wax into small pieces. Scrape wax out of jars or holders with a spoon and remove the wicks. Store the wax chunks in sealed storage bags until you are ready to recycle them.^{[1]
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Your local craft store will have the wicks, fragrance, and dyes you may wish to use. Candle holders can include jars, glasses, or even a tin can. You can also use a mold to make wick-less candle disks or decorative candles for the holidays.^{[2]
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Use pans that are you do not use for general cooking or purchase old pans at discount stores or yard sales. A pan with a spout is perfect for pouring the hot wax into candle holders.^{[3]
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Allow the pan to warm before adding the wax. Keep the burner on low so the wax does not heat too quickly. Stir occasionally to break up any chunks. This process can take up to 40 minutes.^{[4]
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Measure the needed wick length so that the wick touches the bottom of the holder and stays straight. Tie the wick string around a pencil to help it stay in place over the center of the candle holder.^{[5]
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Add fragrances or candle dye to help intensify the color of the candles. Follow manufacturer instructions on both the fragrance and coloring for best results.^{[6]
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Using a strainer will help remove any remnants of dirt or burnt wick from the wax.
If you do not have a pan with a spout, use a small ladle. Wear an oven mitt at this point to reduce the risk of being burned from splattering wax.^{[7]
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Top off candles as needed as the wax settles.

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Can I also recycle candle jars?

Filip Kabashi
Candlemaking Expert
Filip Kabashi is a Candlemaking Expert based in Ontario, Canada. Filip and his brother Anton founded Berryline Candles in 2021, offering pet-safe candles handmade with coconut wax. Berryline’s candles are also paraffin-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, and cruelty-free. Committed to sustainability, Berryline Candles incorporates eco-friendly practices in production and packaging to minimize environmental impact. Berryline Candles has been featured in Biz X Magazine, The Penthouse Magazine, and the “Hello, Hello World” podcast. Berryline Candles is also a 2023 Community Votes Award winner for Best Candles in Windsor, a 2024 Canadian Choice Award Winner for Best Online Candle Shop and a 2024 Global Recognition Award recipient.

Filip Kabashi

Candlemaking Expert

Expert Answer

Yes, you can recycle candle jars! First, remove any leftover wax and clean them thoroughly. Most candle jars are made of glass, which is widely recyclable. Once cleaned, you can repurpose the jars for new candles or reuse them as containers.

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Can essential oils be used for the fragrance?

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You can use essential oils, but don't add too much or it'll become too scented.

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Can I use a double boiler?

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Of course. That would definitely prevent the wax from over-heating and would also allow it to melt more evenly.

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Tips

If the wax in jars is too hard to get out place them in your oven on warm for a few moments. Do not allow the jar to get too hot or it will explode.

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Be creative by adding items like seashells, flowers, or plastic figurines to your recycled candles. Craft stores will have a variety of small items you can use. Make sure they can withstand the heat of the wax.

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Alternate the coloring in your recycled candles by adding one wax color at a time. Allow the wax to get a firm top before adding more wax. Use various colors in each candle to compliment your home décor.

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Warnings

Do not use any utensils or pans used to make candles for any other cooking purposes. Designate them for the candles only.

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