Eco-Friendly Living: The Rise of Candle Refills

Candles have become more than just home décor -- they’re part of how we relax, unwind, and set the vibe. But in recent years, the candle industry has started to shift. As more people care about sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint, the conversation is expanding beyond scent preferences and aesthetics. We're now asking: how can we enjoy our favorite candles without feeding into throwaway culture?

Enter: candle refills -- a small but powerful way to live more sustainably without giving up the things you love.

 

What Are Candle Refills?

Let’s start with the basics. Candle refills are exactly what they sound like: a way to reuse your candle jars instead of tossing them out when the wax is gone. Whether it’s a sleek luxury vessel, a thrifted teacup, or a favorite jar from a past burn, candle refills give you the option to repurpose and refill instead of replace.

There are a few different types, which we’ll break down later -- but the idea is the same: less waste, more reuse, and a much lower environmental impact.

 

The Refill Revolution: The Real Benefits of Candle Refills and How It’s Making The Planet a Greener Place

Refilling your candle jar may seem like a small gesture, but it comes with major benefits -- for your wallet, your home, and the planet.

• Sustainability: When you refill your candle, you’re cutting down on single-use waste. Glass jars are beautiful, but most of them end up in landfills. Millions of them. And here’s the kicker, glass can take up to 1 million years to fully decompose. That means the candle you toss today could still be sitting in a landfill long after we’re gone. Candle refills allow you to reuse the vessels you already have, helping to reduce the waste cycle one jar at a time.
• Fewer Raw Materials: Every time you buy a brand-new candle, you’re also buying a brand-new jar—which takes energy and resources to produce. Refills eliminate the need for new containers, which helps conserve raw materials like sand (used in glass production) and the energy needed to mold, transport, and package new items.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Refills are lighter, use less packaging, and require fewer resources to ship. So not only are you cutting waste, you’re also reducing your carbon footprint without even trying.
• Cost-Effective: Let’s be real: candles can get expensive. A refill, depending on the brand and style, ,is often a more affordable alternative to buying a full candle. You already have the jar, so why pay for it again?
• Customization: For the first time, candle refills make it easy to create something that’s entirely your own -- whether it’s reusing a thrifted mug, a ceramic bowl, or a luxury vessel that fits your home’s vibe. You’re not limited to whatever scent or jar a store offers. A refillable candle gives you the freedom to choose your scent, your style, and how you want to enjoy it.

With the right candle refill kit, you can make wax melts, pour into molds, or craft a candle that perfectly suits your space. And if you’ve ever wondered how to make a candle at home without the hassle -- this is it.

Our Deconstructed Candle refill kits take out all the guesswork. Each one comes pre-scented and pre-measured so you can just melt, pour, and enjoy -- no experience needed.

 

What are the different Types of Candle Refills?

Not all candle refills are the same, and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re a DIY-er or just want something quick and easy, there’s a type of refill that fits your lifestyle.

1. DIY Candle Refill Kits

Perfect for those who love a little crafting time, DIY candle refill kits typically come with everything you need: wax, wicks, fragrance oils, and step-by-step instructions. Some even include extras like mini wax pitchers or thermometers to help guide your pour.

• Pro: You get a true hands-on experience of how to make a candle at home, from start to finish.
• Con: These kits require a bit more time and effort, and since they include more components, they also tend to be pricier.

2. Candle Refill Inserts

These are pre-made wax inserts designed to drop directly into your empty candle vessel. All you have to do is trim the wick and light it. Simple, mess-free, and beginner-friendly.

• Pro: Super fast and easy -- great for busy folks or first-timers.
• Con: These refills typically require a vessel with very specific dimensions. To ensure the insert fits, you’ll likely need to buy refills from the same brand each time.

3. Fully Prepared Candle Refill Kits 

At Sincerely Sunday, our Deconstructed Candle refill kits are made for ease and flexibility. They come with pre-scented, pre-measured wax bars, a wick + holder, and even a compostable pouch. Just pop the wax into the pouch, melt in the microwave, and pour into any heat-safe vessel you already have.

• Pro: Works with any vessel because the wax is melted—it molds to whatever shape you pour it into. Ideal for mugs, bowls, jars, and more.
• Con: Honestly, none! It’s a convenient, low-waste way to enjoy candles and reduce single-use consumption.
  

 

They Do So Much Good, Why Don’t More People Refill?

Honestly? It comes down to awareness.

Many people simply don’t know that a refill for candle jars even exists -- let alone how to refill candle jars at home. For so long, the traditional model has been: buy a candle, burn it, toss the jar. That cycle of single-use consumption has become so normalized that the idea of reusing or repurposing a vessel feels almost novel.

And sure, the idea of refilling might seem a little intimidating at first -- especially if you think it involves messy cleanup or complicated steps. But it doesn’t have to be.

For tips on how to remove wax, check out our guide on how to remove wax from candle jars.

Here’s the thing: every time you choose to refill instead of discard, you're doing more than just reusing a jar -- you’re pushing back against throwaway culture. You’re showing that it’s possible (and easy) to repurpose something beautiful instead of tossing it aside.

The more of us that take that extra step, the more visible it becomes. And before you know it, what once felt niche becomes the new normal.

 

How to Live More Sustainably With Candle Refills

Living a more eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to be hard or boring. Here are a few easy ways to make refillable candles part of your everyday routine:

• Keep an eye out for chic vessels: There are so many beautiful containers just waiting to be repurposed. Some of my favorites have come from Anthropologie, local ceramic studios, pop-up markets, and even thrift shops. Just make sure whatever you pick is heat-safe, and you’re good to go. Reusing what you already have is one of the simplest ways to cut back on single-use waste.
• Share the experience: When you refill your candle, talk about it! Whether it’s a casual convo with a friend or a quick post online, sharing your experience helps spread the word. Most people still don’t know this is even an option—and your simple act could inspire someone else to break free from throwaway culture.
• Gift it forward: Candle refill kits make thoughtful, practical gifts. Birthdays, housewarmings, or just because—refillable candles are a fun, hands-on experience that you can enjoy together. And chances are, whoever you're gifting probably hasn’t tried one before... so you’ll be the one to put them on.
  

 

Our Deconstructed Candle Refill Kits

From day one, we didn’t just want to sell candles -- we wanted to inspire a shift. Our Deconstructed Candle refill kits are designed to make sustainable candle use simple, beautiful, and approachable.

Each candle refill kit includes:

• Pre-scented wax bars
• Wick and wick holder
• Compostable melting pouch

All you need is a heat-safe vessel. We’ll take care of the rest.

Not sure which scent to start with? Check out some of our best sellers -- refillable candle favorites our customers can’t get enough of:

• Heirloom (inspired by Loewe Tomato Leaves)
• Pomelo
• Rituals
• Santal (inspired by Le Labo Santal 26)

 

Let's Have Some fun! Candle Refill Ideas and Things You Can Make

You’re not limited to old candle jars. One of the best parts of using a candle refill kit is getting to repurpose items you already have. Here are just a few ideas:

• Empty candle containers (of course!)
• Mugs or teacups
• Ceramic bowls
• Pantry jars
• Vintage tins or thrifted finds

Looking to switch it up? Our pre-scented wax bars can also be used to make:

• Wax melts
• Tea lights for smaller vessels
• Flameless candles (wickless) -- perfect if you’ve got little ones or fur babies running around.

Refillable candles aren't just practical, they’re a creative way to reduce waste and make something that feels personal.

 

A Small Change, A Big Impact

Refilling a candle jar might take a little more effort, but it makes a big difference. Every candle refill helps reduce single-use waste, conserve resources, and shift us away from throwaway culture.

Choosing a refillable candle isn’t just about sustainability, it’s about slowing down and repurposing what we already have. When millions of people make this small change, the collective impact is huge.

Ready to start your eco-friendly living journey? Our Deconstructed Candle refill kits make it easy to refill, reuse, and enjoy -- without the waste.