How to Recycle Materials from Your Candle Addiction

How many candle ends and jars do you have lying around your home, just waiting for you to put them to good use? Likely a lot, if you are reading this article. You can put them to use with some preparation before hand.

Before recycling the candle ends, votive holders and jars, you will want to do a few things.

Purchase new wicks in a variety of sizes. Keep numerous ones of each size on hand, so they are always at the ready.

Break up large pieces of used candles, and scrape the wax out of used jars, votive and other holders. Be careful not to cut yourself when using sharp knives or other tools to cut up the wax. Wash the jars and other holders in warm, soapy water, making sure to get all the little stuck on bits of wax out of each holder. Allow these to dry thoroughly before using or storing.

Decide on a storage system. A cabinet or totes will come in handy. Shoe boxes will allow you to split the wax pieces up by color and/or scent. Designate one or more saucepans specifically for use with the Have a few put holders on hand for picking up hot cans.

1. Save and wash out vegetable or soup cans to use when melting the wax bits. Be sure the label has been taken completely off each can.

2. Have wooden spoons or skewers on hand, that will only be used when melting the wax pieces.

To recycle these materials, you will start by making your first recycled candle.

1. Pour water to 1/3 the depth of a saucepan and place on the stove. Heat on high until boiling, then reduce to medium heat. Be sure to watch the water level throughout the entire process, refilling when necessary.

2. Put wax bits of the desired color into a can, and place the can into the saucepan of water.

3. The wax will start to melt after a couple of minutes. To quicken the rest of the melting time, stir the wax with a wooden spoon or skewer. You do not have to stir all of the time, but keep an eye on the melting wax.

4. As the wax is melting, use the stirrer to remove any wick ends that were left in the wax.

5. You will also want to ready the jars or other holders for when you pour the wax. Place them on a towel or newspaper, and put a wick in each holder. Be sure the wick is centered.

6. You can add more wax once it starts to melt, until you have enough to fill the jar or holder that you have chosen.

7. When the wax has melted, use a potholder to carefully pick the can up and pour the wax into the holder, leaving a little room at the top for adding more wax in a bit. Be sure the wick is still centered.

8. Allow the wax in the holder to harden somewhat, then take a skewer and poke two holes into the top of the wax.

9. Pour more wax into the holder, not quite to the top. Allow the candles to harden for a day or two, then trim the wick.

You have made a recycled candle. These candles are great for your own use, or to be given as gifts.