We're all well aware of the benefits of recycling. It saves natural resources, requires less use of fossil fuels, and can even earn or save us money. And there are lots of ways to do it. For example, have you ever considered recycling your old candles?

Recycling centres do not have bins in which we can deposit our old wax. But anyone can easily turn those little bits of candles that are left over when we're done burning them into new candles. Here's how.

Choose Your Wax

Finding candles to recycle is usually very easy. Most of us have candles sitting around that have some wax left, but not enough to burn. If we have lots of candles in the same colour and scent, we can simply combine the wax to make one or more new candles just like them. But what if you have lots of different types of candles?

Recycling is still an option. You could mix two or more candles together and combine their colours (and scents if they're scented). Or you could melt the wax down separately and make a layered candle. Just choose the candles you mix wisely so that you don't end up with a greyish-brown chocolate-pine scented candle.

Find Containers

It's usually best to pour recycled candles into containers rather than moulds. This is because the mixture of waxes may not be hard enough to hold up outside of a container. Recycling applies here, too – you can make small candles using baby food jars, pour the wax into empty votive cups, or turn that old mismatched wine glass into a candle holder. Keep in mind, however, that the glass used must be thick enough to stand up to the heat of melted wax and a burning candle.

Melt and Pour

Once you've got your wax and containers, it's time to prepare the candle holders and melt the old candles. Start by gluing a wick into the bottom of each container with a glue gun. Use a pencil to push the wick into the glue, and make sure it's centred. Hold the wick upright and in place by laying a pencil across the top of the container and wrapping the top of the wick around it.

Before you melt the candles, the wax should be broken up or cut into small pieces. Use a sharp, sturdy knife, or place the candles in the freezer for a few hours and smash them up with a hammer. Put the wax in a double boiler that you do not use for cooking. You can make your own double boiler with a pot of water and an empty tin can to put the wax in if necessary.

Melt the wax over low heat, stirring frequently to ensure even melting and proper mixing. When all is melted, add scented oil if desired, pour into the candle holders and allow to harden. If you're making a layered candle, let each layer harden completely before pouring the next one. When the entire candle is hardened, trim the wick to ¼ inch. Now you're ready to enjoy your recycled candle!