UpCandle: Giving Containers a Second Life
Why We Created UpCandle
Candle containers are largely tempered glass, so they can't be recycled and end up in landfill. That's why we created our Return & Swap model, encouraging reuse and rewarding you with 30% off your next candle when you return your empties.
It's not just our containers, either. We welcome donations of clean, good-quality containers from any brand, which we refill and donate to organisations supporting survivors of domestic violence, refugees, and people experiencing homelessness as they set up a new home, as well as bereaved families during a difficult time.
Getting Your Containers Ready
Before dropping off your containers, please give them a quick clean — remove any leftover wax and wick remnants, and wipe away any residue. A good soak in warm water usually does the trick, or pop them in the freezer for an hour to help the wax pop out cleanly. This helps us get your containers ready for their next life as quickly as possible.
For tips on cleaning your candle, review our blog here.
Drop off points
You can drop off your clean and good quality candle containers at the following locations:
CandleXchange Warehouse - 4/1 Mitchell Road, Brookvale, NSW 2100
- House of Hyggelig - Shop 23, 197-215 Condamine Street, Balgowlah, NSW 2093
- Funky & Green - 18 Sydney Road, Manly, NSW 2095
- Op For Change - 41 Sydney Road, Manly, NSW, 2095
- Dee Why Gardens (Reception), 155 Fisher Rd N, Dee Why NSW 2099
- Bayview Golf Club - 1825 Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale NSW 2103
- Long Reef Golf Club - Anzac Ave Collaroy NSW 2097
- North Sydney Community Centre, 220 Miller St North Sydney, 2060
- Banish Sustainability Hub - 490 Pitt Street, Haymarket NSW 2000
- First Sentier Investors, Level 5, Tower 3, International Towers, 300 Barangaroo Avenue Barangaroo
- Darling Quarter Foyer 1/25 Harbour St, Sydney NSW 2000
- 1 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000 (at Concierge on LG Mon – Fri 8am-6pm)
- Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel (Reception), 10 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay, 2030. 7 days per week, 8am-9pm
- Brentwood Village (Reception), 1 Scaysbrook Dr, Kincumber NSW 2251
- Henry Kendall Gardens (Reception), 150 Maidens Brush Rd, Wyoming NSW 2250
- Y Not Crystals 324 Darby Street, Cooks Hill, NSW 2300
- Full Circle Collective, 437 Hunter Street, Newcastle, 2300
- Lendlease employees can use drop off zones established in each corporate workplace nationally
- Some generous & kind individuals offer drop off at their home address in Sydney & Canberra - email for details
- Book with your ReSmart pick up
- Post to our warehouse at CandleXchange, 4/1 Mitchell Road, Brookvale 2100
To become a drop off point for UpCandle, email hello@candlexchange.com.au
Thanking you with a 20% discount offer
To thank you for your generosity and effort, we're offering a special incentive: enjoy a 20% discount off your next CandleXchange order.
Simply use the discount code UPCYCLE20 at checkout for online purchases. Limited to one order per customer
Program recipients include
UpCandle Impact
Containers collected
Over 5000 used candle containers have been collected & cleaned ready for upcycle.
Candles donated
4200 candles have been donated to survivors of domestic violence and homelessness and refugee communities.
Candle Making Workshops
Candle making workshops have been held with Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter, Women’s Housing Company & Baptist Care Hope Street to support their emotional wellbeing programs.
Thank you to our program supporters
Ways you can get involved
Contained collected
Collect quality used candle containers in your workplace and send to CandleXchange to refill. Communication support provided.
Contribute $15 per refill
Contribute to the cost of refills to help provide beautifully upcycled candles to organisations supporting domestic violence survivors and refugees.
Candle Making Workshops
Hold a team building workshop in your workplace where participants make a CandleXchange candle to take home and an upcycled candle to pay forward.
Volunteering
Volunteer in CandleXchange warehouse helping clean used candle containers, removing wax and wicks to prepare them for refill. Get involved in fragrance selection and the refill process.
Become an UpCandle Program Sponsor
Support meaningful change by becoming an UpCandle sponsor and helping to brighten lives. Your contribution ensures candles are collected, refilled, and donated.
Together, we can light the path to hope, healing, and sustainability.
UpCandle
With your help, we extend the life of used candle containers and give someone deserving the gift of ambience in their new home
Frequently asked questions
We accept any used candle containers (glass or ceramic) that are in good condition and can be refilled to create a gift you would be happy to receive.
Not burnt, stains or chipped containers please.
There is no limit to the number of containers you donate, as long as they are in good shape.
We would prefer you remove all wax and labels from your used containers.
To clean your container, simply use hot water and wipe out the remaining wax. Or place in the freezer for 20 minutes, the wax will pop out. Please dispose wax in the bin, not down the drain. A wash in warm soapy water or in the dishwasher should finish the job.
We accept donations at our warehouse at 4/1 Mitchell Road, Brookvale 2100.
Other drop off options at supporter locations listed in the above page.
We welcome new supporters of the UpCandle program.
Email us to discuss how you can best get involved.
Pillar candles can’t be recycled through household recycling bins. They’re made from wax blends, dyes, fragrance oils, and wicks, which recycling facilities can’t process.
If you’re looking to reduce waste, reusing wax at home or choosing candles in reusable containers is a better option.
At CandleXchange, we don’t accept pillar candles for upcycling. Our UpCandle program accepts clean, used candle containers only, which are refilled or repurposed to keep them out of landfill.
Choosing refillable containers over single-use pillar candles helps support a more circular economy ♻️
Used candle wax can’t be recycled through household recycling bins.
Instead, leftover wax can be reused at home for things like wax melts or fire starters.
CandleXchange doesn’t accept used wax through our UpCandle program. We only accept clean, used candle containers for upcycling and refilling.