How to Make Recycled Crayons
Ever wondered what to do with all those broken crayon bits? Instead of tossing them, let’s turn them into vibrant, brand-new crayons! In this guide, you’ll learn how to make recycled crayons at home using simple tools and supplies. Whether you’re looking for a fun kids’ activity or a creative way to reduce waste, this project is easy and rewarding.
About This Craft
Spring is finally here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to get creative with fun, eco-friendly activities like making recycled crayons.
Since we’re on Spring Break next week, I wanted to plan some engaging activities for Logan and Madeline—both at home and around town.
Not only was this project a hit with the kids during spring break, but it was also a great way to declutter and refresh our kitchen art desk—win-win! Hands-on crafts like this keep kids entertained while also encouraging creativity and learning through play.
That’s when I remembered these Easy Recycled Crayons! Not only is this a fantastic hands-on project, but it also helps declutter and reorganize our kitchen art desk. Win-win!
Why Recycle Crayons?
Crayon recycling isn’t just a great way to reduce waste—it’s also a fun and creative way to breathe new life into old, broken crayons.
Recycling crayons is a creative and eco-friendly way to reduce waste while giving old crayons a brand-new purpose. There are so many everyday items around the house that can be transformed into something new, and old crayons are a perfect example.
If you have a collection of stubby, well-used crayons that no one wants to use, don’t throw them away! If you’re looking to recycle crayons, this project is the perfect way to repurpose them. Wondering what to do with broken crayons? Instead of tossing them, try melting them down and reshaping them into fun new creations!
Kids love this easy and creative activity. Plus, these colorful creations make great party favors or small gifts.
Why You’ll Love this Project
✔ Eco-Friendly – A great way to repurpose old, broken crayons and reduce waste.
✔ Fun & Easy – A simple, mess-free craft that kids of all ages will enjoy.
✔ Customizable – Create unique color combinations and fun shapes.
✔ Perfect for Gifts – These crayons make great party favors or small handmade gifts.
✔ Educational – A great way to teach kids about recycling crayons and color blending.
Whether you’re looking for a fun afternoon activity or want to learn how to make recycled crayons, this tutorial will walk you through the easy steps of crayon recycling.
Tools & Supplies Needed for This Craft
Before you get started, gather all your supplies to ensure a smooth crafting experience. Having everything prepared ahead of time makes the process more enjoyable and efficient, especially when crafting with kids!
Now, let’s go over what you need to get started.
Supplies:
- Metal baking sheet
- Small, broken crayons
- Oven-safe silicone molds
How to Make Recycled Crayons
Learning how to make crayons in molds is an easy and exciting activity that sparks kids’ creativity. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make crayons at home, this easy method will walk you through the steps.
Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Sort – Group broken crayons by color for uniform shades or mix for a rainbow effect.
- Peel – Remove all paper wrappers from the crayons.
- Fill – Place crayon pieces into silicone molds, keeping colors separate or mixing as desired.
- Melt – Preheat oven to 250°F, place molds on a baking sheet, and bake for 10–20 minutes until fully melted.
- Cool & Unmold – Let crayons harden at room temperature or chill in the freezer for 20–30 minutes, then pop them out of the molds.
The above is simply a quick summary of this crayon recycling project. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Tips for this Craft
- Use high-quality crayons – Brands like Crayola tend to melt more evenly.
- Experiment with colors – Mix similar shades for a vibrant look or go full rainbow for a fun effect.
- Use different shapes – Try using fun molds like stars, hearts, or animals for extra creativity.
- Double-check the oven temperature – If crayons aren’t melting evenly, ensure your oven is fully preheated.
Recycled Crayons FAQs
If you run into any issues while making recycled crayons at home, don’t worry! Here are some common questions and solutions to help ensure your project turns out just right. I’m happy to answer any additional questions you may have—just leave them in the comments!
Why won’t my crayons melt evenly?
Make sure your oven is preheated, and try chopping larger crayon pieces into smaller bits for faster melting.
Can I use metal molds instead of silicone?
Yes, but silicone molds work best for easy removal. If using metal molds, spray them lightly with non-stick spray.
What are the best molds to use?
Silicone molds come in all shapes and sizes! Try hearts, stars, or animal shapes for extra fun.
Can I mix different colors of crayons?
Absolutely! Mixing colors can create a cool marbled effect. Just be mindful that some colors may blend into brown if mixed too much.
Recycled crayons are such a fun, easy, and rewarding craft that helps kids develop fine motor skills, learn about color mixing, and create something new and colorful while reducing waste.
Have you ever tried crayon recycling? Let me know in the comments, or share your creations on Instagram @goodlifeeats with the hashtag #goodlifeeatsrecipes!
More Fun Crafts & Activities for Kids
Looking for more creative projects to try? Check out these fun ideas:
- Salt Dough Ornaments – A fun Christmas tradition that makes adorable homemade gifts!
- How to Make Dried Orange Slices – Perfect for DIY home decor, potpourri, or snacking.
- Dyed Pasta for Crafts – Great for color sorting, jewelry-making, and sensory play.
- Chocolate Banana Pops – A delicious and interactive treat for kids!
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Rachel says
I did this with my kids when I was teaching here in Thailand, and they loved not only helping me choose which crayons to put into each container before melting them, but they had a blast with the ‘new crayons’ when they came out 🙂
Highly recommend this. It’s a fun ‘craft’ and kids love it.
KirstenL says
I also collect all of the freebie crayons at restaurants for this! I just wait until I have a big Ziploc bag full and make new crayons.