Woman standing in Hospiscare reception with candle collection point

The Recycled Candle Company partners with Hospiscare to promote wax recycling in Devon

Sue Cade
Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Thursday, August 3, 2023 - 12:14

The Recycled Candle Company is delighted to announce its new collaboration with Hospiscare in an initiative aimed at encouraging green-minded individuals to recycle used candles, tealights, and other old wax products.

Six of the charity’s shops plus the Searle House Hospice have recently installed special candle recycling points.

The Recycled Candle Company has long been recognized for its dedication to environmental sustainability by transforming old wax into beautifully crafted new candles, saving an impressive 400 tons of wax from reaching landfill annually.

Donations are regularly received from places of worship, hospitality businesses, and individuals who share the company's passion for reducing waste. More and more recycling points are being set up across the UK as people become increasingly aware of the need to keep as much as possible out of landfill.

The collaboration with Hospiscare came about after the 2022 ‘Light Up a Life’ memorial event. This is the charity’s annual celebration of the lives of lost loved ones. Held in Exeter, Honiton and Cullompton, it includes hand-picked readings, poems, music and carols lit by soft candle light. Last year, the leftover candle stubs from the service at Exeter Cathedral were donated to The Recycled Candle Company – inspiring the idea to provide permanent collection points.

Hospiscare Head of Retail, Helen Hutter said: “We're really excited to be working with the Recycled Candle Company on this initiative as we are committed to reducing waste and promoting recycling and reusing wherever possible.

“By providing drop-off points in our shops, we're making it convenient for people to recycle their used candles in our communities, cutting down on unnecessary waste and encouraging recycling."

The Recycled Candle Company has recently relocated to Chorley, but its roots will always be in Devon, with founders Richard Hills-Ingyon and Sargon Latchin regularly returning to the county to pick up any donations and catch up with supporters.

Richard said: “"While some people post used candles to us, recycling points are a more practical solution for many. And the more the merrier! It’s really exciting to be able to add seven new options in Devon and we’re really grateful to Hospiscare for this opportunity.

“It’s also a great excuse for people dropping off candles to look round the shops and make a purchase or donation in support of this fabulous, inspiring charity.”

The Hospiscare sites with collection points are Fore Street in Exeter, the Warehouse shop in Marsh Barton, Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Okehampton and Cullompton. At Searle House near RD&E, the collection point can be found in reception.

The next Light Up a Life events are at Deer Park Hotel in Honiton on December 3, Padbrook Park in Cullompton on December 10 and at Exeter Cathedral on December 20. For more information visit www.hospiscare.co.uk/light-up-a-life/

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