Not all candles are created equal—and we’re not just talking about scent. If you're trying to live a little greener, the difference between a refillable and a disposable candle can be surprisingly big.
Whether you're curating a zero waste home or just want to make better everyday swaps, understanding the impact of your candle choices is a small shift that adds up over time.
Let’s break it down.
What Makes a Candle “Disposable” vs “Refillable”?
At first glance, a candle might seem like a simple product: wax, fragrance, and a container. But the way it’s designed—whether it’s meant to be tossed or reused—carries real environmental weight.
Disposable candles are the traditional kind: you buy the whole jar, burn it down, and toss it when it’s done. That’s a lot of glass, wax, and packaging heading straight to landfill.
Refillable candles, on the other hand, are built for reuse. You invest in a durable vessel once, and simply swap in a wax refill when the old one’s done burning. Less waste, more intention.
And no, this isn't just semantics—it’s a shift in how we consume.
The Lifecycle Comparison: Disposable vs. Refillable
To really see the difference, we need to zoom out and look at the full lifecycle of a candle—from how it’s made to where it ends up.
Sourcing & Materials
Most mass-market candles are made with paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct that contributes to carbon emissions and indoor air pollution. Refined, yes—but still rooted in fossil fuels.
In contrast, soy wax is plant-based and renewable (and what we use at ReCandle Co.). It's cleaner-burning and has a lower carbon footprint, especially when sourced responsibly.
Then there's the container. Glass may be recyclable in theory, but in practice, millions of candle jars are thrown out every year. And ceramic or metal jars used for single-use candles can carry a higher energy cost—unless they’re designed to be reused.
Manufacturing & Packaging
Manufacturing disposable candles means producing an entirely new vessel every time. That’s repeated energy usage for every candle you burn.
Refillables shift the impact toward the refill itself—which uses less material, lighter packaging, and lower production energy.
At ReCandle Co., our zero waste candle refills come in recyclable packaging and ship with minimal materials. The refill system is intentionally designed to reduce resource use from the start.
Transport & Distribution
Here’s a detail that’s easy to overlook: weight. A single-use glass candle is heavy to ship. Multiply that by thousands, and the emissions stack up quickly.
Because wax refills are lighter and smaller, they ship more efficiently. If you're using a refillable system like ours, you're reducing shipping emissions with every new order—especially if you opt for a candle subscription and consolidate deliveries.
Use & Emissions
Paraffin wax doesn’t just raise concerns during production. When burned, it releases VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like benzene and toluene—known irritants and possible carcinogens.
Refillable candles often use cleaner waxes. Our soy wax refill, for instance, is paired with non-toxic fragrances and cotton wicks to support a healthier burn—safer for you, your pets, and your space.
End-of-Life & Waste
This is where the refillable model shines.
Most single-use candle jars—especially those with leftover wax or labels—don’t get recycled. They end up in landfills. And with billions of candles sold each year, that’s a massive waste stream.
Refillables help you sidestep that entirely. You keep one beautiful ceramic candle vessel, and simply change out the wax. No tossing, no guilt.
Quantifying the Impact: Carbon, Waste & Scale
Let’s talk numbers.
- 2 billion candles are sold in the U.S. annually. Even if just half are tossed, that’s 1 billion glass jars in the trash every year.
- Many candle jars weigh over 1 lb—so shipping and production adds significantly to the carbon footprint.
- Studies estimate that using a refillable system can reduce packaging and production emissions by up to 70% over time.
And here’s the big one: with a durable vessel like ReCandle’s, the environmental break-even point can happen after just 2–3 refills. Every use after that? Pure impact savings.
Beyond Carbon: The Full Picture
There’s more to sustainability than CO₂.
Refillable candles reduce packaging waste, cut down on chemical exposure, and encourage more mindful consumption habits.
They also:
- Improve indoor air quality (no petroleum-based soot)
- Avoid synthetic dyes and mystery additives
- Support a zero waste home mindset through reuse
It’s the kind of small swap that starts to reshape your daily habits—and your environmental impact.
Making the Sustainable Swap: What to Look For
Ready to switch? Here's what to prioritize in your candle choices:
- Choose refillable candles made from durable materials like ceramic
- Look for soy wax refills or other clean-burning waxes
- Skip paraffin, synthetic dyes, and fragrances with vague labeling
- Buy from brands with recyclable or compostable packaging
- Support companies with transparent sourcing and sustainability efforts
And of course—burn wisely. Trim your wick, don’t leave candles lit for hours, and make each burn feel intentional.
ReCandle Co.’s Refillable System: Designed for Less Waste
At ReCandle, we created a system that’s as low-impact as it is beautiful.
- Our handmade ceramic vessels are crafted to last—fired at high temperatures to withstand hundreds of burns
- Our wax refills are made with 100% soy wax and clean, phthalate-free fragrance oils
- Everything is packaged for reuse and recycling
- We plant one tree for every order, helping offset carbon from shipping
- And the best part? The refills pop out clean—no scraping, no mess, no tools
It’s sustainable living that actually fits your lifestyle.
But Aren’t Refillables More Expensive?
Not really—especially when you look at the long-term picture.
A one-time investment in a ReCandle vessel means you’re only paying for wax refills going forward. And with our candle subscription options, you get automatic deliveries and free shipping.
Compare that to rebuying a full jar every time? You’ll save money and waste.
Final Thoughts: A Cleaner Burn, A Smarter Choice
Every refill is a vote for the planet. Every reusable jar is one less in a landfill. When we think beyond the burn, our candles become part of something bigger—something more sustainable.
If you’re looking to live more intentionally and reduce your carbon footprint, switching to refillable candles is a great place to start.
Browse our refillable candle collection or explore our full lineup of zero waste candle refills to find your signature scent—and start making impact, one light at a time.