A Guide to Recycling Unburned Wax

Are you looking for ways to recycle your unused candles instead of just throwing them away? I have great news for you! In this blog, I’m going to share with you a step-by-step guide on how to recycle unburned wax from your candles and turn them into useful fire starters. Not only will this help reduce waste, but it will also save you money in the long run. 

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Dig Out the Wax

The first step in recycling your unused candles is to dig out all the wax from the jar or vessel. Use a spoon or a butter knife to scrape out as much of the wax as possible and put it into a pour pot. Don’t worry if there are small bits of wax left behind.

Step 2: Remove the Wicks

Once you’ve removed all the wax, it’s time to remove the wicks. Use a pair of pliers or tweezers to pull out the wick and the metal base that's attached to it. Make sure to dispose of these properly, as they cannot be reused.

Step 3: Melt the Wax

Next, melt the wax on low heat in a pour pot or a double boiler. Be careful not to burn the wax or let it boil. Once the wax has melted, turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Fire Starters

While the wax is cooling, prepare the fire starters by taking small paper cups and placing a piece of cut-off wick at the bottom of each one. Then, fill each cup with shredded paper, such as newspaper or old bills. Pack the paper tightly into the cup and make sure it's not too loose.

Step 5: Pour the Wax

Now that the wax has cooled a bit, it’s time to pour it into the cups. Pour the wax slowly into each cup, filling it up to the top. Place the cups on a tray to catch any spills and let them cool and harden for a few hours.

Step 6: Clean Out the Jars

Finally, let's clean out the jars or vessels so that they can be reused as well. To do this, use a hairdryer or a heat gun to melt the leftover wax and use a paper towel to wipe it out. Be careful not to touch the jar as it may be hot. You can also heat the jar upside down and wipe it clean with a fresh paper towel.
And there you have it! Recycling your unburned wax and jars is a great way to reduce waste and make use of things that would otherwise be thrown away.
With these simple steps, you can recycle your unused candles and turn them into useful fire starters. These are perfect for camping trips, bonfires, or even lighting your fireplace or wood stove. Not only is this a great way to reduce waste, but it’s also a fun and easy DIY project. Give it a try, and you'll be surprised at how much wax you can save from ending up in the trash! 

Happy crafting!