Don't cast out your candles!

The Recycled Candle Company is urging people not to throw away used candles from the festive season but to recycle them instead.

With many people in the process of taking down decorations and returning their homes to a pre-Christmas state, it’s a good time to remember that used candles can be recycled rather than added to landfill.

Candles are very popular during the festivities, gracing tables, sideboards, fireplaces and shelves around the home. But once they reach the end of their useful life, they are usually put into the bin.

The Recycled Candle Company will take used candles – including tealights with metal sustainers, pillars and candles in glass containers – remove the wax and melt it down to reuse as new candles or, in the case of lower grade wax, firelighters.

Candlemaker Richard Hills-Ingyon said: “Essentially, we take any kind of candle wax, in any form, fragrance or colour.

“Most people bring their used candles into the shop in Gandy Street, but they can be posted to us too. In the case of very large numbers of candles, we can usually arrange collection.”

Anyone donating old candles will be given a monetary credit towards their next purchase from The Recycled Candle Company.

“We’re calling this our Christmas #candleamnesty!”

Drop off or post candles to: The Recycled Candle Company, 16 Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS.