Sustainability · Craftsmanship · Social Impact
Turning old
wax into
new light
We collect candle wax across Germany and craft handmade recycled candles.
Candle wax is too valuable for the bin
Millions of tonnes of candle wax are thrown away every year – yet it can easily be melted down and reused.
of candles are consumed annually in Germany – mostly paraffin (petroleum).
of candle wax ends up in the bin, despite being easily recyclable.
of CO₂ is produced per kilogram of newly manufactured paraffin wax.
3 steps to Wachswandel
Joining in is simple – all you need is your old candle wax and a collection point nearby.
01Find a collection point
Find one of our collection points near you – via our interactive map or the location list.
02Drop off wax
Simply bring your old candle wax to the collection point and toss it in the bin. Done!
03Do good
We recycle the wax in our workshop and pour brand new, sustainable candles.
Our impact – achieved together
What we don't just claim, but prove. These numbers come directly from our system – in real time.
Why we do this: the social impact
Wachswandel is not a climate project – we are a social enterprise with an ecological bonus. 20–50% of proceeds go directly to social projects.
How a recycled candle is made
In our workshop in Weilerswist, old candle wax becomes quality craftsmanship – step by step.
Our workshop in Weilerswist
From sorting to the finished candle
Everyone can join in
Whether as an individual, business or partner – there are many ways to support Wachswandel.
For individuals
Collect your old candle wax at home and bring it to the nearest collection point. 20–50% of proceeds go to social projects – every gram counts!
Find collection point
For locations & businesses
Become a collection point and offer your customers a sustainable service. Locations enable a donation share of 20–50%. We provide the bins and pick up the wax.
Become a location
For partners & funders
Support Wachswandel as a cooperation partner or funder. Partner products can achieve up to 50% donation share.
Become a partnerWhat others say about us
"I've been bringing my candle leftovers to the collection point around the corner for a year now. It's so easy and I love knowing that something beautiful is created from them while also supporting social causes."
Sandra M.
Private individual, Bergisch Gladbach
"Since we became a collection point, customers specifically come to us and tell others about it. It shows we care about sustainability – and that resonates really well."
Michael T.
Manager, Bakery Weilerswist
"We sold Wachswandel candles in our shop and received exclusively great feedback – about the quality, the concept and the social commitment behind it. A partnership that simply feels right."
Anna-Lena B.
Partner, Social Enterprise Cologne
How old wax becomes new light
In our workshop, collected candle wax is sorted, melted down and filtered. This creates hand-poured premium recycled candles.
Collection
Wax is dropped off at collection points across Germany
Transport
Regular pickup by our logistics team
Sorting
Separated by wax type, colour and quality
Recycling
Melting, filtering and processing the wax
New candle
Hand-poured premium recycled candles are created
Collection
Wax is dropped off at collection points
Transport
Regular pickup by our team
Sorting
By wax type, colour & quality
Recycling
Melting, filtering, processing
New candle
Hand-poured premium recycled candles
Got questions?
Here you'll find answers to the most common questions about wax donation, collection points and our products.
We sort every donation by colour and material, remove wick remnants and clean the wax in small batches. This creates long-lasting candles and products like WachsCrush.
Paraffin, stearin, beeswax and blends are welcome – whether as pillars, tea lights or scented candles. Please remove glass or metal if easily possible.
Use the map under Collection Points with filters for city or postal code. There you can see opening hours and whether a bin is currently full.
Yes, beeswax is especially valuable. We process it separately to preserve the natural colour and subtle honey scent.
At least 20% goes to our social partners. We publish an annual impact report with figures on donations, kilograms of wax and supported projects.
Join the Wachswandel
Every piece of wax becomes a new candle – and every candle supports social projects with 20–50% of proceeds.