Candles are part of the indoor décor options that add a unique touch to a living space. They are available in all sizes, shapes and colours to satisfy individual tastes. Whether celebrating a special occasion or creating a relaxing ambience, candles can complement the décor, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere.
But what happens when they burn out and you no longer need them on the table? Throwing used ones into your dumpster is not best advised. Used candles are waste that you should dispose of properly and not dump carelessly into a waste bin.
Let’s discuss sustainability without any environmental consequences, from recycling candle wax to repurposing jars.
How to Properly Dispose of Candles
Appropriate steps for proper disposal start with:
Extinguishing the Candles
If candles are still lit at the time you decide to dispose of them, prioritize safety by making sure that they are completely extinguished. Ensure the flame is out, and blow it out if you must.
Allow the Wax to Solidify
Once you have put out the flame, wait for a couple of minutes for the melted wax to cool and solidify. Avoid removing the jars while the wax is still in its liquid form. An attempt to dispose of liquid wax may cause the hot wax to pour on your hands, which can cause burns.
Learn more: Effects of Burning Cardboard on the Environment
How to Remove Wax from Jars
If there is still wax on your candle glass jar or metal tin, it needs to be removed using heat or by freezing. Wax will melt under moderate temperatures, which you can create using your stovetop.
It’s a simple wax melting technique where you have to place the candle jar or metal tin in a bowl set over a pot heating below the boiling point. The wax will melt completely at such a temperature.
Additionally, you can also melt wax in a jar or metal tin using hot water. Place the jar or metal tin still containing some wax in a pot. Then pour boiling water around it. Allow the wax to melt before you carefully pour it into another container or onto the item you want to wrap with.
Avoid pouring melted wax down the drain as it can clog pipes when it solidifies.
Freezing Candle Wax
Removing wax from jars and metal tins can be achieved using the freezer. This wax removal technique is simple like using your stovetop. Instead of using heat, you will be using the cold temperature in your freezer to remove wax.
Here is how it works: place the candle jar in the freezer for some hours. The wax should be frozen before you use a knife or any other similar tool to remove the wax from the container.
Dispose of Wax Properly
The wax in domestic candles is usually made of vegetables or animal fats, oils, or paraffin. Candle wax is non-biodegradable, so it’s not recommended to throw it into a regular waste bin. Pouring melted wax down the drain is not environmentally sustainable either. Sustainable alternatives include recycling wax waste and upcycling jars and metal tins.
Recycle
Recycling is a sustainable technique towards waste reduction, especially for non-biodegradable materials. Used glass jars and metal tins that once contained wax can be recycled.
For proper disposal of wax, check with your local recycling programs if they accept wax waste. Some recycling centres will accept your wax waste for recycling. However, ensure you are only sending wax for recycling and not glass jars, wicks or metal clips.
In the United States, manufacturers are partnering with TerraCycle, a private recycling business headquartered in New Jersey to establish free recycling programs for their partner’s products.
Yankee Candle, a manufacturer and retailer of scented candles, accessories, and dinnerware sold at gift shops across the United States, partners with TerraCycle. Candles made by the company are recyclable through TerraCycle’s free recycling program.
The glass jars are also recyclable after the wax is removed from the container. Look for a recycling glass bin to dispose of glass jars. Since glass is recyclable, finding a recycling bin for your used jars shouldn’t be a challenge.
Recycling ensures glass jars are not thrown into dumpsters or dumped in landfills where they will continue to persist indefinitely.
Learn more: How to Dispose of Motor Oil Properly
Repurposing Ideas for Glass Jars
If you can’t recycle, then you should repurpose to create something new with glass jars.
Make a New Candle
You can reuse both your candle wax and its container to make new ones. This way, you don’t have to dump wax in your waste bin. All you have to do is to melt the wax after cleaning the glass jar.
Get new wicks and cut to the length to be taller than the glass jar—long enough to fold over the guide. Use skewer sticks crossed in a triangular form as a guide to hold the wicks in place. Secure the skewer sticks with tape.
Place the wicks in the container so that the clips are resting at the bottom. Carefully pour the melted wax into the centre of the new jar until it’s almost filled. Allow it to solidify before you cut the wicks.
Create a Window Garden
Little glass jars, once rid of wax, can be repurposed into containers to hold small plants for window gardens. This small container can used to grow plants like onions, vegetables, berries, etc. They only need sunlight by the window to grow these plants.
Learn more: How to Dispose of Carpet Properly
Preserve Lemons
Glass jars make a perfect container to preserve lemons with salt. The lemons stay fresh provided you keep the liquid level in the jar above the fruits. The saltwater will cover the fruits as they dissolve within a month.
Reusable Food Storage Container
Glass jars are more durable for food storage than plastic containers. They require careful handling when storing dry grains, beans, or other edibles. Additionally, they offer a sustainable alternative to the use of plastics in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Candle wax is not a regular waste that is thrown into the waste bin. Pouring melted wax down the drain is also not recommended. Recycling is a sustainable option and repurposing ideas can help minimise the risk of discarding glass jars in landfills.