Q&A for How to Recycle Candles

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.

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

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

Yes, you can use an upright crayon as a candle if you need to, just light the top. Also, you can melt them and make them into candles.

No; it's very dangerous.

If you don't reuse wax, throw it away. You can scoop it into the garbage with a spoon, or melt or freeze to get wax out more easily. Toss the wicks. Clean glass jars and metal tins can be recycled curbside in most places. St. Vincent de Paul in Oregon also has a great candle-recycling program.

No. Mixing waxes would not cause the candle not to burn well. It might be the wick you are using.

Sometimes. It depends on the type of scent originally used. As a test, melt the wax slowly in water until completely liquid. Allow the result to cool completely in the pan. Strain out the wax, and dump the water. Most, but not all, oil-based scents will be removed this way, though it may take repeating this process up to 3 times.

Air flow, the wick, and the wax, if this is a taller jar. Anything taller than votive size will cause this to happen, unless the wick and wax are perfectly matched fuels, preferably with an oil base. Also, most waxes are inherently reusable already, and most wicks are made to burn up, so when the wax no longer has anywhere to melt to, it suffocates the wick. If the jar is the important part for you, either buy 2 and constantly recycle one to the other, or choose an oil candle option in the same jar. Otherwise, you can always loosen the remains from the jar and burn it in a heatproof open air holder, or remake it into votives.

Use a cotton wick, you can make them at home using cotton, but they sell them online as well and they're cheap to buy. If you decide to make them at home, then make sure they are dense enough and cut to proper size.

If the wick on your recycled candles burns too quickly, then it may be that you are using the wrong type of wick. It may also be that the wick you are using is not treated. See if either of these fixes remedy your problem.

In a well-ventilated area (or even outdoors), spray a thin coating of candle release spray inside the mold. The coating should be even, but don't use too much. Make sure that any detailing in the mold is coated so that the cooled wax won't stick and break off when you remove it. Wipe away any excess spray with a dry paper towel.