How To Recycle Candle Jars? 20 Things To Do With Recycled Candle Jars

A shelf in your house probably serves as a cemetery for candle jars if you’re like me. The wick has turned into a stub, and the vanilla aroma has long since faded. However, simply throwing away a used candle isn’t the best option when it comes to getting rid of it. In many cases, candles are packaged in beautiful jars that can be used for various household chores. According to an environmental journalist and co-founder of The Eco Hub, a lifestyle and news publication dedicated to sustainability, it’s pointless to try to recycle anything that’s already been used, such as a glass jar. To reuse them, the wax must be removed first. It’s possible to achieve this at home, according to Bautista, who shared his techniques.

How to get wax out of a candle jar using your stovetop

The candle jar must be placed in a bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, similar to the procedure used to melt chocolate on the stove. This guarantees that the wax melts without the jar becoming dangerously hot. Make sure the water doesn’t get into the jar itself by placing the candle in a separate saucepan and carefully pouring hot water over and around it. A good idea from Bautista is to reuse the old hot wax in something you’re going to discard anyhow. If you pour melted wax down the drain, you’ll end up with clogged pipes because the wax hardens quickly. After that, wash the jar thoroughly and put it to good use by recycling or reusing it.

How to get wax out of a candle jar using the freezer

This may be a better option than the stovetop method if you have more than one candle to discard (and some freezer space). The wax can be removed from the container by using a butter knife to take it out of the container after it has been frozen for a few hours. In order to make it easier to remove the wax after frozen, attempt to split it up before freezing.

How to get wax out of a candle jar using a kettle

Boiling water can be poured straight into the candle jar while the candle is on a heat-safe surface. It’s hoped that the wax would rise to the top as it melts. Just wait for the wax to set a little bit before you remove it from the water. Using soap and water, clean out the jar of any leftover wax.

How to get wax out of a candle jar using a candle warmer (if you have one)

The wax melts in a dish on top of the warming base, which is standard in most candle warmers. Put your candle jar on top of the warmer and it will melt it for you instead of using wax melts. Pour it into anything that you’re going to throw away, just like with the double boiler procedure. Instead of throwing the wax away, you may pour it into a new candle of the same aroma.

There are so many possibilities! If you’re going to buy a candle, Bautista advises that you consider the package. Candles in beautiful jars may cost more, but there are so many ways to repurpose them, depending on the dimensions of the jar.

If you want to keep all of your cosmetics and brushes in one location, put them in attractive jars. You can always make the jars prettier if they aren’t the prettiest. To maximize counter space in your bathroom, use the jars to store your toothbrush, toothpaste, Q-tips, etc. Candles of the same size with lids are extremely useful for creating uniformity. As a thoughtful gift for loved ones, you can repurpose old jars to produce fresh candles.

You can use candle jars to build innovative plant pots and vases because they come in a variety of forms and sizes. Save money on the vase by repurposing the one you already own if you paid more than you planned for your adorable new plant. (Unless you first add drainage stones, you should not plant directly into the candle jar because it does not have draining.) In addition, if you’re someone who buys in quantity and you’ve got a surplus of the identical candle jars from last year’s big holiday sale, there’s no need to be concerned. Make wonderful pen and pencil holders out of them by using them as jars to help you organize your kitchen cabinets or your office space.

20 Things To Do With Recycled Candle Jars

Now that we’ve shown you how to get rid of your old candle jars, here are some ideas for what to do with the empty ones. If your candle jars don’t come with lids, you can use plastic wrap or tin foil to cover the jars for these purposes.

#1 DIY Body Scrub Jars

This DIY body scrub is made by combining granulated sugar with coconut oil and essential oils such as lavender or vanilla extract to create a paste. Then, in the shower, vigorously scrub it in!

#2 Make A New Candle From Old Wax

As we shown in our previous candle video, you can simply take the old wax and put it in a new container, and you’re ready to go.

#3 Add New Wax For A New Candle

For a fraction of the price of a candle from a specialty shop, you can buy wax at any craft store and melt it down, put it to an empty container, then insert a wick to make a new one.

#4 Add A Tea Light

You can use it both indoors and outdoors by placing a tea light in the jar. You can even paint the glass of a clear jar before putting it in the light if you want to be extra creative.

#5 Liquor Glasses

If you have a lot of candles, you may want to consider using the glass jars to hold your booze in. If you start collecting these jars, you’ll have a unique display for your next dinner party that everyone will admire.

#6 Tea & Coffee Holders

Make it easy to find your favorite cup of tea or coffee by keeping it in a jar on your counter.

#7 Get the Last of the Smell Out

Simply lay your favorite scented candle on a stove top (but not on the element) or even on a mug warmer to reclaim the last of the scent.

#8 Pens & Pencils

There are several uses for empty candle jars, and one of them is to contain writing implements. Fill it with your favorite writing implements and place it on your desk.

#9 Spare Change

Drop your spare change into an empty jar on your dresser or by the front door to avoid losing it. Then once a month, count your coins, roll them, and either deposit them in the bank or purchase yourself a little something to eat or drink.

#10 Candy Jars!

Fill a few jars with your favorite sweets and keep them out on the counter or in the cabinet for easy access to a sweet treat whenever you need one.

#11 Toothbrush & Toothpaste Holder

Keep your toothbrush and toothpaste in taller jars so you may fill it with water and vinegar every so often for a thorough brushing!

#12 Planter

Cacti and succulent plants do well in jars. Having a place for it in a window sill or on a tabletop will make it seem great.

#13 Hold Lip Balms

Are you addicted to lip balm? You have more than you know what to do with and can’t seem to locate one when you need it. A jar is a great way to keep all of your lip balms in one place.

#14 Hot Chocolate Gift

Empty candle jars can be used in the same way as mason jar gifts, so there’s no need to overlook them. Use it to add marshmallows or cookie dough components to hot chocolate powder. A lovely piece of cloth tied with twine or pretty string will suffice in the absence of a lid for your jar.

#15 Hair Elastics

Is there any woman or man who doesn’t have an endless supply of hair elastics laying around? These jars are perfect for storing all of your household’s elastics! You’ll never have to look for an elastic again if you store them in a few jars.

#16 Toiletries

How well organized is your medication cabinet or bathroom counter? Organize it quickly and make it look more formal by separating the swabs, cotton pads, and tweezers into separate jars, and labeling them accordingly.

#17 Air Freshener

Fill an empty candle jar about three-quarters of the way with baking soda and then add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil to create a custom air freshener to your preferences (s). For approximately a week, you may just shake it up to loosen the baking soda and add extra essential oil to the mixture.

#18 DIY Bath Bombs

Bath bomb making is simple and entertaining, but it’s not the most convenient item to store. If you want to brighten up your bathroom, put some in an empty candle jar and keep them there.

#19 Bobby Pins

Bobby pins, like elastic bands, have a tendency to go lost, so store them in a container.

#20 Pet Treats

It’s just as important for your pets as it is for you to have a good container for their snacks. Your pet’s favorite treats can be stored in a jar with a cover so that they can be conveniently accessed and kept fresh.

And that’s the end of the story! There are a plethora of creative ways to use your old candle jars! If we missed any creative ways to repurpose your candle jars, please share them with us in the comments section below.

FAQs

Why did my glass candle explode

When candles are left burning for more than four hours, the persistent contact with the hot flame increases the risk of the glass jar and/or the wax heating up to a flashpoint or exploding.

This can also cause a candle to explode, shattering glass because of the buildup of soot.

How do you remove candle mold from glass

The mold should be frozen for five minutes. If you’re having trouble getting the candle out of the mold, freezing the mold might help. After five minutes, remove the candle and try again. Wait another five minutes in the freezer if it still won’t budge.

How do you dispose of old candle wax

Throw away wax if you don’t intend to use it again. Using a spoon or melting or freezing the wax will make it easier to dispose of it. Get rid of them. It is possible to recycle clean glass and metal tins at the curbside in most areas.

What can I do with old Yankee Candle jars

Storing sponges and makeup pads in old Yankee Candle jars is a simple and cost-effective way to recycle them. Fill a pot with water, put the candle in it, and let it simmer for a few minutes until the wax is completely dissolved. You should be able to pour the wax into a plastic grocery bag once it’s melted.

Can you recycle glass jars with candle wax

Glass candle jars can be recycled at the curbside. Make sure to remove any wax residue before you begin.

Can old candles be melted and reused into new candles

Yes, in a nutshell. A fresh candle can easily be made by melting down the remaining wax and pouring it into a new votive. Beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax should all be used in the same proportions. With tongs, remove the old wicks and dispose of them after the wax has melted.

Are Yankee candles toxic

Scented candles: safe or dangerous? Volatile organic chemicals such as formaldehyde can be released when scented candles are burned, increasing your cancer risk. Although these compounds are released by scented candles, it is not known if they have any negative effects on your health. Even though they’re not as common, scented candles might cause allergic reactions in some people.

How do you get candle wax out of a broken glass jar

Allow the jar to rest in the hot water for a few minutes to allow the wax to soften. Use a butter knife to remove the wax from the jar. Using soap and water, clean out the container once you’ve removed the wax.

Can Yankee Candle glass be recycled

What if I want to recycle my candle jars locally at the curbside? There are certain local recycling systems that don’t accept lids for your empty glass containers, so TerraCycle® is your best bet if you’ve removed all of the wax and the label.

What to do with unwanted candles

Simply melt down the old wax, remove wicks, and pour the resulting hot wax into new molds with fresh wicks to make new candles out of old ones (which you can buy at a craft store). Melted wax can be colored, scented, or embellished in any way you see fit. In addition, anything can serve as a mold.

How do you dispose of glass candles

Candle jars and wax can be recycled. Allow your candle to drop down to room temperature before extinguishing it. The entire candle jar should be placed in the freezer for 20 minutes to harden. Once the candle has burned down to a cinder, the wax will easily fall out of the jar, allowing you to clean and dry the jar.

What can you do with old Woodwick candles

Creating a new candle out of an old candle jar is the best method to repurpose the container. You can make your own custom-scented candle for a fraction of the cost of buying one from a store. Use the candle jar as a bathroom supply holder.

Can I recycle glass candle jars UK

Can I put my glass jar in the recycling? You can recycle the glass in our containers, but if you can’t get rid of it, we recommend contacting your local government.

When should you throw out candles

A candle should never be left unattended while burning and should be placed on a heat-resistant surface. Make sure you know when it’s time to say your goodbyes. Let your candle go when there is less than half an inch of wax remaining.