Candles are cozy, calming, and let's be real—an essential part of winding down. But if you've ever wondered "are candles bad for the environment?" you're not wrong to ask. Not all candles are created equal, and some do more harm than others.
Let's dig into the environmental impact of candles—what to avoid, what to look for, and why the right choice can actually support a more sustainable lifestyle.
And if you're dealing with old candles, leftover wax, or used jars and want to see all your options, start with our Candle Waste & Disposal Guide.
So... Are Candles Actually Bad for the Environment?
The truth? Some are.
Many traditional candles are made with paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum (aka fossil fuels). When burned, paraffin can release potentially harmful chemicals into the air—including toluene and benzene, both linked to indoor air pollution.
Other things that make candles less earth-friendly:
- Synthetic fragrance oils with phthalates and other toxic compounds
- Wicks with metal cores (yep, that used to be a thing)
- Single-use containers that end up in landfills after one burn
- Excessive packaging with plastic and non-recyclable materials
- Long-distance shipping adding to carbon emissions
So yes—some candles are not great for you or the planet. For a deeper dive, check out our article on the true environmental impact of traditional candles.
The Main Environmental Concerns with Traditional Candles
Paraffin Wax and Fossil Fuels
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, which means every paraffin candle ties back to oil extraction and refining. This contributes to:
- Greenhouse gas emissions from extraction and production
- Reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels
- Potential release of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) when burned
Indoor Air Quality Issues
Burning low-quality candles can affect your home's air quality. Paraffin candles can release:
- Soot and particulate matter
- Benzene and toluene (known carcinogens in high concentrations)
- Synthetic fragrances that trigger headaches or allergies
For more on this topic, see our guide on how candles impact indoor air quality.
Single-Use Waste
The average candle lover goes through dozens of jar candles per year. That's dozens of glass containers, metal lids, labels, and packaging materials heading to landfills—often because the jars are too difficult to clean and reuse.
Learn more about dealing with old jars in our articles on how to recycle candle jars and how to reuse candle jars.
Packaging Waste
Many candles come wrapped in plastic, placed in cardboard boxes, sealed with more stickers and labels—most of which isn't recyclable. This multi-layered packaging adds significantly to the environmental cost.
What Makes a Candle Eco-Friendly?
Not all candles are environmental villains. In fact, there's a growing category of earth-friendly candles designed to minimize impact at every step.
Here's what to look for in environmentally friendly candles:
Natural Wax
Soy, coconut, or beeswax are more sustainable than paraffin. At ReCandle Co., we use 100% soy wax that's clean-burning and renewable. Learn more about the benefits of soy wax candles.
Non-Toxic Fragrances
No phthalates, no carcinogens, no mystery chemicals. Just clean scents that are safe for people, pets, and the planet. See our guide on what candles are non-toxic.
Cotton or Wood Wicks
Avoid wicks with metal cores or chemical treatments. Cotton wicks burn cleanly and are biodegradable. Learn more about how candle wicks work.
Sustainable Packaging
Look for candles with recyclable, plastic-free packaging—or better yet, reusable containers.
Refillable Systems
This is the big one. The most environmentally friendly candles are designed to be used again and again—not tossed when the wax is gone.
Comparing Candle Wax Types: Environmental Impact
| Wax Type | Source | Environmental Impact | Biodegradable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paraffin | Petroleum byproduct | High (fossil fuels, emissions, VOCs) | No |
| Soy | Soybean oil (plant-based) | Low to moderate (depends on sourcing) | Yes |
| Beeswax | Honeybees | Low (natural, renewable) | Yes |
| Coconut | Coconut oil | Low to moderate (depends on sourcing) | Yes |
| Palm | Palm oil | High if not sustainably sourced (deforestation) | Yes |
For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on the best candle wax options.
Why Reusable Candles Are a Game-Changer
Here's where ReCandle Co. comes in. Our entire refillable candle system is designed around reusability, so you can enjoy all the ambiance without the waste.
Instead of buying a new candle every time, you keep the same handcrafted ceramic vessel and just swap in a new soy wax refill. No scraping. No tools. No trash.
It's the simplest way to make candle use more sustainable—because earth-friendly candles shouldn't feel like a compromise.
The Refillable Advantage
- One vessel, unlimited refills: Eliminates jar waste entirely
- Minimal packaging: Refills come in recyclable materials only
- Lower carbon footprint: Shipping a lightweight refill vs. a heavy glass jar
- Cost-effective: Refills cost less than buying new candles. See our breakdown on refillable candle cost savings.
- Easy swaps: Pop-out design means no mess or leftover wax
For a detailed comparison, check out refillable vs traditional candles.
How to Reduce Your Candle Footprint
Even if you're not ready to switch to refillable candles, there are ways to make your candle habit more sustainable:
Choose Natural Waxes
Opt for soy, beeswax, or coconut wax instead of paraffin.
Buy from Transparent Brands
Look for brands that disclose ingredients, sourcing, and production practices. Watch out for greenwashing.
Burn Properly
Following proper candle safety tips helps candles burn more efficiently, reducing waste.
Repurpose Jars
If you do buy jar candles, clean and reuse the containers instead of tossing them.
Support Local
Buying from local candle makers reduces transportation emissions.
Bonus: We Plant a Tree for Every Order
We also offset the carbon footprint of shipping by planting one tree for every purchase. It's a small way to give back—and it adds up fast.
So when you're enjoying one of our zero waste candle refills, you're also helping reforest the planet.
Common Myths About Eco-Friendly Candles
Myth: All Soy Candles Are Automatically Eco-Friendly
Not quite. Soy sourcing matters—some soy production contributes to deforestation. Look for brands that use responsibly sourced soy.
Myth: Scented Candles Are Always Less Eco-Friendly
Scent itself isn't the problem—synthetic, phthalate-laden fragrances are. Clean fragrance oils or essential oils can be perfectly safe and sustainable.
Myth: You Have to Sacrifice Quality for Sustainability
Wrong. The best sustainable candles burn beautifully, smell amazing, and look great. You don't have to compromise.
The Final Verdict: Are Candles Bad for the Environment?
Some are. But they don't have to be.
Skip the paraffin, pass on single-use containers, and steer toward candles made with clean ingredients, thoughtful design, and a plan for what happens after the flame goes out.
If you love the ritual of lighting a candle but don't love the waste, we've got you. With ReCandle Co., you can create a beautiful, low-waste candle habit—without sacrificing scent, style, or simplicity.
For more on sustainable candle trends, see our article on the sustainable candles trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are soy candles better for the environment than paraffin?
Yes. Soy is renewable, biodegradable, and burns cleaner than paraffin, which is derived from petroleum.
Do candles contribute to climate change?
All candles release some CO₂ when burned, but paraffin candles have a higher carbon footprint due to their petroleum origin. Plant-based waxes like soy have lower overall emissions.
Are beeswax candles eco-friendly?
Yes, beeswax is natural and biodegradable. However, it's not vegan and can be more expensive than soy.
What's the most sustainable type of candle?
Refillable candles made with natural wax (like soy or coconut), non-toxic fragrances, and minimal packaging. They eliminate single-use waste entirely.
Can I recycle candle jars?
Sometimes. Clean out all wax and remove labels first. Many recycling facilities accept clean glass jars, but check with your local program. Better yet, choose refillable candles that eliminate this issue.
Are scented candles worse for the environment?
Not necessarily. The issue is what's in the fragrance—synthetic, phthalate-laden scents are problematic. Clean, non-toxic fragrances are fine.
