How to Re-Use Empty Candle Vessels

Candles bring warmth, ambiance, and delightful scents into your home, but what do you do once the wax burns away, and you’re left with an empty candle jar? Instead of tossing these containers into the recycling bin (not all are suitable for recycling) or trash, ask yourself: how could you give them new life? Giving your candle jars a second chance is easier than you might think. In this article we explore how to re-use empty candle vessels and help reduce waste in your home. Empty candle jars might serve as attractive vessels for organizing makeup brushes in your bathroom, markers & colored pencils or paper clips in your workspace. Have you ever thought of turning them into unique planters for succulents or herbs to brighten your kitchen windowsill? The possibilities stretch far beyond just holding wax.

In the interest of safety for you & your household, we’re going to cover some important considerations and reminders first.

What to Know Before you Start

With the wide variety of containers being used as candle vessels, it’s worth mentioning that not all styles are suited to all of these re-use inspirations, and sadly, not all are suitable for recycling. In some cases, the ingredients of the candle will also have an impact. Since a list of all ingredients isn’t currently required by law, you’ll have to make a judgement call in some cases. If you’re trying to be more intentional about how your consumer habits impact your waste output, you’ll also want to keep this in mind as choose which candles to purchase. If you’re a candle maker, this may impact your candle design as you encourage environmental thoughtfulness with your customers.

• Ceramic, Porcelain or Clay Vessels are not recyclable and can (depending on the quality of the finish glaze) absorb fragrances/substances. Since makers are not required to disclose all ingredients, it isn’t always easy to know what may have leached into the container. This makes them more suitable for holding items like pens/paint brushes rather than items which would be ingested or personal care items like Q-tips or cotton balls.
• Painted or Coated Glass Vessels are not recyclable and are generally not meant to be food grade. With the influx of painted imported glassware, it’s important to recognize that these may be less regulated as the safety bar isn’t set as high as for food grade coatings. Paint can be scratched or begin to rub off during washing. Pay attention to whether the paint is on the inside or the outside of the glass. If it’s on the outside of the glass, these could be used to hold personal care items, suitable for plants, etc. If the paint is on the inside, re-use is more difficult because of chipping etc.
• Colored Glass as in tinted/colored glass without paint, while often not recyclable, is usually much easier to re-use, as you shouldn’t have to worry about absorption/leaching or scratching. Generally, these can be re-used in almost any practical application.
• Clear Glass is generally recyclable (with the exception of borosilicate and some beverage ware) and is the easiest to re-use in the most ways. Unadulterated glass is inert, so absorption/leaching isn’t a concern.

Tips on Cleaning Empty Candle Jars

Before repurposing, it’s essential to clean your candle jars thoroughly. We’ve found that it’s easier to deal with the labels after the wax & wick have been removed. Wax should never be poured down the drain. If it can’t be used, it should be disposed of in the garbage, preferably into a container that is already headed to the trash.

We reference 4 methods here. Depending on the particulars of the vessel and how much wax remains in the candle, one method may be a better fit than the others. Please keep safety in mind for all of these to avoid burns and spills. It is important to contain the melted wax.

Freezer Method | For larger chunks of wax in a container with straight sides that will allow removal without too much fuss.

1. Pop the jar in the freezer for a few hours (or overnight).
2. Once the wax is cold and hard, it should shrink slightly and can often be popped out with a butter knife or spoon.
3. Remove the wick base (they’re often glued down—gently pry it up).
4. Wipe out any fragments with a paper towel.
5. Wash the jar with warm, soapy water to remove any residue.

Hot Water Method A | If you wish to put the wax to use, or if there is an excess of wax.

1. Fill a small sauce pan with a couple inches of water, enough to reach just to the top of where the wax is in the jar when it is later set into the pan.
2. Bring the water to a light boil. Turn off heat.
3. Carefully place the candle container into the water.
4. Once the wax is melted, you can (using a hot pad or mitt) carefully pour the wax into an empty wax melt tray, or into your fire starters.
5. Wipe out what wax you can with a paper towel and carefully pry the wick base up.
6. Wash with soap and warm water.

While we use leftover wax from candles for fire starters, this is also a great way to put extra melted wax (scented or unscented) from our candle pouring. I keep a cupcake tray with liners and fillers close to my candle pouring zone for this reason.

Hot Water Method B | For stubborn wax which you plan to discard.

1. Boil water and pour it into the jar, leaving some space at the top.
2. The wax will melt and float to the top as the water cools.
3. Once the water and wax have cooled, remove the wax disc and pour out the water.
4. Wash with soap and warm water.

Oven Method | Good for cleaning many jars at once, with very little wax remaining.

1. Set your oven to about 140–180°F. It might be tempting to heat it higher, but without knowing the quality of the glass, we wouldn’t recommend it. Wax should melt sufficiently in this range.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Place the jars upside down on the sheet and put them in the oven for about 10–15 minutes.
4. The wax will melt and drip onto the foil—just be careful when removing!
5. Let the jars cool a bit before wiping them out with paper towels, removing wick tabs and washing them.

Inspiration on How to Re-Use your Empty Candle Vessels

Get them Refilled | Check with your favorite candle maker to see if they offer a refill program.

Storage Solutions | Add some beauty to your organization!

• Bathroom – Store cotton swabs, makeup brushes, cotton balls, or hair accessories.
• Kitchen – Ideal for holding spices, tea bags, herbs, and even utensils.
• Office – Organize paper clips, pens, pencils, and craft supplies neatly.

DIY Home Decor | Unleash your creativity

• Vases – Fill jars with fresh or dried flowers for a delightful centerpiece.
• Luminaries – Place battery-operated tealights or string lights inside for soft, ambient lighting.
• Seasonal Décor – Customize jars with ribbons, paint, or stickers to match the season or your home’s aesthetic.
• Votive/Candle Holders – set simple votives or simply smaller candles inside your favorite empty candle vessels to continue enjoying their beauty.

Miniature Planters | Create charming homes for succulents, cuttings or herbs. Candle containers are the perfect size to fit on your desk, a windowsill, or tucked in spaces where there’s not a lot of room.

Handmade Gifts | Transform your empty jars into thoughtful gifts.

• Homemade Bath Salts- Refill jars with your favorite salty soak mix.
• Homemade Potpourri
• Cookie, Candy or Snack Jars – Fill with homemade treats, adding personalized labels and ribbons.

Pantry & Countertop Organization | Add beauty and order to your kitchen.

1. Corral little items like condiment & dressing packets in your fridge or reusable wine toppers & bottle opener on your kitchen counter.
2. Store dried goods like pasta, beans, rice, and baking ingredients.
3. Label jars clearly for an organized and aesthetically pleasing pantry space.

Please note: We do not recommend using rescued mason jars for canning of any kind. Without knowing the initial quality of the jars and what they were designed for, or what prior stressors they may have been subject to, it is not the risk. We’d have a similar warning for use in freezing.