How to Recycle Candle Containers in Sydney

Finished a candle and now you're staring at that glass container wondering, “Does this go in the recycling?”

Yes, we've all been there. It's a common recycling question we get at Banish, and the straightforward answer is… it depends on the type of glass.

Why candle containers usually don't make it into your recycling bin

Most candle containers are made from tempered glass, the same stuff that's heat-treated so it doesn't crack when the candle's burning. That's great for safety, but totally tricky for recycling.

Tempered glass melts at a different temperature and has a different chemical makeup than regular container glass (like your wine bottles or jam jars).

If it ends up in your kerbside recycling, it can contaminate the whole batch, messing things up at the recycling facility. So unfortunately, even though its glass, candle containers aren't accepted in Australian kerbside recycling programs.

But your candle container isn't useless, it can live again!

Instead of tossing it into landfill, you can drop your used candle containers right here at Banish. We'll take them if they're:

• Clean — no wax left behind, no wick bits, and labels removed (as much as possible)
• In good shape — no cracks or chips that'd stop them from being reused

What happens after you drop them off?

Once we collect them, your candle containers go to CandleXchange for their UpCandle program. They clean them up, refill them, and turn them into brand-new candles.

Then? Those candles are donated to organisations helping women who've experienced domestic violence as they set up new, safe homes.

It's a small thing you do that becomes a meaningful gift for someone starting fresh.

CandleXchange is also changing how candles work entirely

With their Return & Swap model, candles aren't single use anymore. When you finish one, you return the container to CandleXchange and save 30% on your next candle.

They clean it, refill it, and reuse it, keeping the glass container in use instead of in the bin.

And hey, if you want to join in, CandleXchange is giving Banish community 20% off using the code UPCYCLE20 at candlexchange.com.au

Bring your empty candle containers to Banish instead

Next time you're decluttering, don't throw those containers in the rubbish or recycling bin. Just bring them to us. It's a tiny step that cuts down landfill, supports a circular economy, and helps women rebuilding their lives.