How to Recycle Candle Wax

By
David Fisher
David Fisher

David Fisher is a highly regarded professional soaper with over 15 years of experience, sharing his knowledge of the craft, science, and chemistry of saponification. He currently owns Bath Rabbit Soap Company and is the author of "The Complete Photo Guide to Soap Making."

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Updated on 06/10/22
White candlesticks tipped over on wood surface near lighted candle

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Project Overview
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Any candle maker (or even candle user) will ultimately have lots of scraps of candles left over. You can be frugal and earth-friendly at the same time by recycling the wax. With colored or scented wax scraps, you can make torch candles, citronella candles, or use the wax to test out new molds or new pouring techniques.

Scrapped candle wax comes from a mixture of different waxes, and your best bet is to recycle candles that are similar in the same batch. Additionally, it's best to use recycled wax for candles that you don't mind if they burn poorly, such as outdoor bucket candles or dipped candle torches. If you've got used containers, you can recycle the candle containers, too!

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Melt pot
  • Tongs, chopsticks, or a fork
  • Tub, pail, or molds
  • Strainer (optional)

Materials

  • Scraps of wax or burned-out candle bottoms

Instructions

Materials and tools to recycle candle wax

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  1. Separate the Scraps

    Separate the scraps and pieces into an unscented and/or uncolored pile and a scented and/or colored pile.

    Tip

    Coordinate scented scraps into similar scent families (for example, citrus, floral, spicy). It simplifies things and might give you a pleasant scent result.

    Candle wax scraps separated into containers from candle containers

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  2. Prepare the Scraps

    Starting with the unscented/uncolored pile, trim off as much of the burned wick as possible. Remove any wick tabs or labels and brush or scrape off any dirt or dirty sections of wax.

    Candle wick tabs removed from excess wax in separate glass container

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  3. Melt the Wax

    Put the pieces in your wax melting pot and slowly melt them down. Once melted, remove all of the wicks and wick tabs from the melted wax with a chopstick, tongs, or a fork.

    Excess candle wax slowly melting in hot pot

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  4. Filter the Wax

    If there is a lot of debris still in the wax, you can filter it through an old flour sifter or another type of strainer. You can also just pour off the good part and discard the rest.

    Melted wax filtered through metal strainer into candle container

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  5. Store or Prepare Wax

    Once the wax is clean, either pour it into a tub or pail for later use. Alternatively, fragrance and color it to make candles as you normally would.

    Tip

    If your wax is colored and scented, you can still reuse it—you just have to figure in the extra color and scent. Mixes of colors will usually come out some shade of brown, while mixes of scents can be wonderfully complex or just plain awful. It will take some experimenting to find the combination that works.

    Wax poured into glass container from melting pot

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

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