Ever finished a candle and wondered, can I actually recycle this jar? You're not alone. It turns out, recycling candle jars isn't always as simple as tossing them in the bin. Whether you're asking "are candle jars recyclable," "can you recycle glass candle jars," or "how to dispose of candles in glass jars," this guide has you covered.
The good news? Whether you're working with glass, ceramic, or something in between, there are smart, low-waste ways to reuse or responsibly recycle your candle containers. Below, we're breaking down how to recycle candle jars step by step—and what to do when traditional recycling isn't an option.
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.
First, Are Candle Jars Recyclable?
Let's clear this up: yes, candle jars can be recyclable, but it depends on the material and how you prep them. Not all candle jars are created equal, and understanding what makes a jar recyclable is the first step to making the right choice.
Here's the breakdown:
Glass candle jars: Generally recyclable, if you remove all leftover wax and labels. Most curbside recycling programs accept clean glass containers, though there are some exceptions based on glass type and local guidelines.
Metal or tin containers: Usually recyclable through curbside programs. Metal is one of the most recyclable materials, and candle tins typically fall into this category if they're cleaned properly.
Ceramic jars: Not accepted in most curbside recycling programs (more on that below). However, ceramic vessels are incredibly durable and perfect for long-term reuse.
Candles themselves? Unfortunately, used wax isn't recyclable, but the container can live on through recycling or creative reuse.
Can You Recycle Candle Jars with Wax Still in Them?
No. This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is important: you cannot recycle candle jars with wax still inside. Leftover wax, wick remnants, and fragrance residue can contaminate entire batches of recyclable materials at processing facilities.
The wax must be completely removed, and the jar should be cleaned before recycling. Don't worry, we'll show you exactly how to do this in the next section.
Step-by-Step: How to Recycle Glass Candle Jars
If you're using standard glass candle holders, here's how to get them ready for the recycling bin:
1. Freeze the jar: Pop it in the freezer for a few hours (or overnight for stubborn wax). The leftover wax will contract and make it easier to remove in one piece.
2. Pop out the wax: Use a spoon or butter knife to gently lift the wax out. Still stuck? Try running hot water around the outside of the jar to loosen it, or use the warming method described in our guide on how to get candle wax out of a jar.
3. Remove the wick and label: Peel off any labels and use warm, soapy water or rubbing alcohol to clean off residue. Most wick stickers pop off with gentle scrubbing. If the adhesive is stubborn, soak the jar in warm water for 10-15 minutes.
4. Give it a rinse: Recycling centers need items to be clean. Rinse thoroughly to remove any fragrance oil residue or soot. A clean jar ensures it won't contaminate other recyclables.
5. Check your local guidelines: Some areas accept glass jars, while others don't. A quick check with your city's recycling program website can confirm what's accepted in your area. You can usually search "[your city name] recycling guidelines" to find this information.
Can You Recycle Glass Candle Jars Everywhere?
Not always. This is where it gets a bit tricky. Some municipal recycling programs won't accept glass candle jars if:
- The glass is too thick or heat-treated (which some candle jars are designed to be for safety)
- It contains residue or mixed materials (like metal wick holders embedded in the bottom)
- The label adhesive is still on and can't be removed
- The glass is colored or treated in ways that make it incompatible with standard glass recycling
- Your local program doesn't accept glass at all (some smaller municipalities have stopped accepting glass due to processing costs)
When in doubt, reuse is the best move, especially for pretty jars or ceramics that can be repurposed beautifully. If your recycling program doesn't accept glass, don't throw the jar away. Instead, consider the creative reuse options we cover below.
How to Dispose of Candles in Glass Jars (If Recycling Isn't an Option)
If your local recycling program doesn't accept glass candle jars, or if the jar is damaged or contaminated beyond cleaning, you still have options that are better than sending it straight to the landfill:
1. Reuse the jar yourself: Clean it out and use it for storage, organization, or as a planter. Glass jars make excellent containers for bathroom supplies, kitchen staples, or craft materials.
2. Give it away: Post on local buy-nothing groups, Nextdoor, or Facebook Marketplace. Crafters and DIYers often look for clean glass jars for projects.
3. Return to specialized recycling: Some glass recycling centers or specialty programs accept glass that curbside programs won't. Check for drop-off locations in your area.
4. Dispose properly as trash: If all else fails and the jar truly can't be reused or recycled, wrap it in newspaper or cardboard and place it in your regular trash. This prevents it from breaking and creating hazards for sanitation workers.
For more guidance on responsible candle disposal, see our full guide on how to dispose of candles.
What About Ceramic Candle Jars?
This is where it gets tricky. Most ceramic candle vessels aren't recyclable through regular curbside systems because ceramic is made from clay fired at extremely high temperatures, which gives it different properties than glass or metal. Ceramic doesn't melt down the way glass does, so it can't be processed in standard recycling facilities.
But that doesn't mean ceramic jars should go to waste. Since they're made from natural clay and minerals, they're far less harmful to the environment than plastic if they ever do get tossed. That said, we always recommend reusing or repurposing them first, and ceramic's durability makes it perfect for this.
ReCandle Co.'s refillable candles use ceramic jars, which are intentionally built for reuse. They're handcrafted by a local potter, heat-safe up to 2,000°F, and made to last far beyond a single burn. Instead of tossing them, just pop in a wax refill and keep lighting up. Our zero waste candle refills are designed to contract as they cool, so they pop right out when you're ready for a new scent—no scraping, no mess.
Not using refills? Here are a few upcycle ideas for ceramic candle jars:
- A minimalist planter for succulents (try our Candle Succulent Planter Kit for a ready-made version)
- A desk caddy for pens, pencils, or makeup brushes
- A countertop container for salt, sugar, or coffee scoops
- A holder for cotton balls, Q-tips, or small bathroom essentials
- A small vase for dried flowers or single stems
- A catch-all dish for jewelry, keys, or coins
For more creative ideas, check out our guide on how to reuse candle jars.
Creative Ways to Reuse or Upcycle Recycled Candle Jars
Don't toss that jar just yet—whether it's glass or ceramic, recycled candle jars make great containers for all kinds of uses. Here are some popular ideas:
Bathroom organization: Cotton balls, Q-tips, bath salts, or hair ties
Kitchen storage: Dry herbs, spices, tea bags, or homemade salad dressings
Tea light holders: Perfect size for tea lights or small votives
DIY candles: If you're into candle-making, clean glass jars make excellent vessels for your own poured candles. Just make sure they're heat-safe.
Craft supply storage: Beads, buttons, paperclips, rubber bands, or small hardware
Plant propagation: Use glass jars to root plant cuttings in water
Gift packaging: Fill with homemade treats, bath salts, or small gifts for a beautiful presentation
If you're a DIYer, look for "recycled glass candle jars" or "recycled glass jars for candles" when sourcing materials for new projects. They're an eco-friendly way to give glass a second (or third) life, and many craft suppliers specifically sell post-consumer recycled glass jars for this purpose.
Why Reuse Beats Recycle (Most of the Time)
Recycling is important, but it also takes energy and resources. Glass recycling, for example, requires collection, sorting, transportation, crushing, melting at high temperatures, and reforming into new products. Each step uses energy and generates emissions.
Whenever possible, reusing your candle jar is the most sustainable option. It requires zero additional processing, no transportation, and no energy input beyond a quick wash. That's why we built our candle system around durable, reusable jars with easy-to-swap wax refills. No scraping, no mess, and no guessing if the jar goes in the bin or not.
Want to make it even easier? Our candle subscription box puts your refills on autopilot with free shipping and a fresh scent delivered every 1, 2, or 3 months, no thinking required. You keep using the same beautiful ceramic vessel, and we send you clean-burning soy wax refills that pop in effortlessly.
So next time you're staring at an empty candle jar thinking, "can I recycle this?", remember: with a little know-how, you can give that jar a second life, or keep it going indefinitely with zero waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recycling Candle Jars
Can you recycle candle jars?
Yes, most glass and metal candle jars can be recycled if you remove all wax, wicks, and labels first. Ceramic candle jars typically cannot be recycled through curbside programs but are excellent for long-term reuse. Always check your local recycling guidelines, as acceptance varies by municipality.
Are glass candle jars recyclable?
Generally yes, glass candle jars are recyclable in most curbside programs, but they must be completely clean and free of wax and labels. Some areas don't accept glass at all due to processing costs, and some heat-treated or thick glass jars may not be accepted. Check with your local recycling program to confirm.
Can you recycle candle jars with wax in them?
No, you cannot recycle candle jars with wax still inside. The wax, wick remnants, and fragrance residue can contaminate entire batches of recyclable materials. Always remove all wax and clean the jar thoroughly before recycling.
How do I remove wax from a candle jar for recycling?
The easiest method is to freeze the jar for a few hours, then pop out the hardened wax with a spoon or butter knife. Alternatively, you can pour boiling water into the jar to melt the wax, let it cool and harden on top, then remove it. Clean any remaining residue with warm soapy water and rubbing alcohol. For detailed methods, see our guide on how to get candle wax out of a jar.
What are recycled glass candle jars?
Recycled glass candle jars are containers made from post-consumer recycled glass—glass that has been previously used, collected, melted down, and reformed into new jars. Some candle companies use these for new candles as an eco-friendly option, and they're also popular with DIY candle makers. If you're sourcing "recycled glass jars for candles" for crafting, look for jars specifically labeled as made from recycled content.
Where can I recycle candle jars if my curbside program doesn't accept them?
If your curbside program doesn't accept glass, look for local drop-off recycling centers, glass-specific recycling programs, or community recycling events. Some areas have specialty glass recycling facilities that accept items curbside programs won't. You can also check with craft stores or community groups—many people collect clean jars for reuse.
Are candles recyclable?
The candle jars or containers can be recyclable (if glass or metal), but the wax itself is not. Used candle wax should be removed and disposed of in the trash, or saved for DIY projects like making new candles or fire starters. The wick and any metal wick holders should also be removed before recycling the container.
Can I recycle old candle jars or broken candle jars?
Old candle jars can be recycled if they're intact and properly cleaned. However, broken glass is often treated as hazardous and not accepted in curbside recycling bins because it can injure sanitation workers. If a jar is broken, wrap it in newspaper or cardboard and dispose of it in your regular trash, or check if your area has a broken glass drop-off location.
What should I do with empty candle jars if I can't recycle them?
If recycling isn't an option, reuse is the next best choice. Clean the jar and use it for storage, planters, organization, or gift packaging. You can also give clean jars away through local buy-nothing groups or online marketplaces—many crafters actively look for candle jars. For more creative ideas, see our full guide on how to reuse candle jars.
