Spring Cleaning may be behind us, but in many homeschool homes, it’s now time for School Cleaning, a chance to sort through used books, organize papers, and refresh your school space for the coming year. That usually means getting rid of pencil stubs, dried-up glue sticks, and of course, those bits and pieces of broken crayons.Â
Broken crayons are practically a staple in every homeschool home. And while they may seem like junk, figuring out what to do with old crayons can actually lead to some of the most fun and creative activities for your kids. These activities also pair well with our simple and fun homeschool activities if you’re looking for more ideas to engage your kids.
Upcycle Old Crayons into Muffin Tin Crayons
One of the easiest and most popular ideas is to melt down broken crayons into new, multicolored ones using a mini muffin pan.
- Preheat the oven to 275°F.
- Let children help by removing the crayon wrappers and breaking larger crayons into smaller pieces.
- Fill each muffin cup with bits of crayon. You can sort them by color or mix them for a fun tie-dye effect.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until melted.
- Carefully remove the pan (adults only!) and place it in the refrigerator to cool completely.
- Pop out your brand-new crayons and enjoy!
These chunky crayons are great for little hands and make perfect gifts or party favors.
Donate Old Crayons to a Good Cause
If you’d rather not go for recycling crayons yourself, consider donating them to the National Crayon Recycle Program (NCRP). This organization collects used crayons, recycles them, and distributes them to children in vulnerable situations.
“Our crayons provide children with an opportunity to escape, even for a moment, into a world of colors and imagination, fostering a sense of hope and happiness.” – NCRP
You can donate unwanted crayons, your time, or financial support. This would also make a meaningful group project for a homeschool co-op.
Crayon Crafts for Preschoolers
Before you jump into crayon recycling or donating them, here are some crayon crafts for preschoolers that give broken crayons new life, and offer hours of creative fun.
Leaf Rubbings
Thinking about how to recycle crayons? This simple project is perfect for nature walks and art time.
You’ll need:
- A variety of leaves
- Thin paper
- Crayons with the wrappers removed
Instructions:
- Place a leaf face-down on a flat surface.
- Cover it with a sheet of paper.
- Gently rub the side of the crayon across the paper until the leaf pattern appears.
- Repeat with different leaves and colors for a beautiful layered design.
Name Anagram Art
This fun literacy activity turns art into a self-esteem builder. You can also check out the research paper to find out the use of Anagram to improve vocabulary.
Instructions:
- Form the first letter of your child’s name by gluing crayon pieces onto a canvas.
- Add the meaning of the name, or create a fun acronym or anagram like:
GIDEON:
Good
Intelligent
Daring
Extraordinary
Obedient
Nice
This makes a meaningful keepsake or gift—and can even be used in creating trivia for kids in the classroom as a personal challenge or quiz idea.
Wax Paper Lanterns
These glowing lanterns are beautiful and easy to make.
Materials:
- 8 sheets of wax paper (cut into 10” squares)
- Old crayons, crumbled
- Craft sticks
- Tape or hot glue
- Iron
- Tea towel
- Battery-operated tea light
Instructions:
- Sprinkle crayon bits between two wax paper squares.
- Cover with a tea towel and gently iron (adults only) until melted.
- Repeat to make four colorful panels.
- Create frames with craft sticks and glue or tape the panels into a box shape.
- Place a tea light inside for a magical glow.
Pointillism Art
Great for older students, this art style uses tiny crayon dots to form an image. You can also check out other creative ideas that show how colors impact the mood.
Instructions:
- Lightly sketch a design on half a sheet of cardstock.
- Use a tea candle to slightly soften the crayon tip (supervised).
- Dab the soft crayon on the paper to make dots.
- Fill in your picture with different colors, switching as needed.
Start small, pointillism takes patience but produces beautiful results!
Impressionist Melted Crayon Art
If you’re navigating through what to do with crayons, this project focuses on movement, color, and creativity.Â
You’ll need:
- Canvas
- Old crayons (sorted and crumbled)
- Blow-dryer
- Towel and hammer
- Optional: soft paintbrush
Instructions:
- Arrange crayon bits on the canvas in any design.
- Use the blow-dryer to melt them, moving the wax around with a soft brush for extra effect.
Wrap-Up: Don’t Toss—Transform!
Old crayons don’t have to go to waste. Whether you choose to melt them into new creations, donate them to bring joy to others, or use them in hands-on art projects, you’re teaching your kids to reuse, recycle, and think creatively.
Want more ideas for hands-on learning at home? Explore our educational resources today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do with old crayons and pencils?
Don’t toss them just yet! Old pencils and crayons can be repurposed in creative ways. Broken crayons can be melted into new, multi-colored shapes using silicone molds or muffin tins. They’re also great for crafts like wax paper lanterns, leaf rubbings, or name art.Â
As for pencils, consider using them for sketching, as garden markers, or in DIY projects. If you prefer to donate, the National Crayon Recycle Program accepts old crayons, and some art programs or schools may take gently used supplies.
Do crayons have a shelf life?
Crayons don’t have a strict expiration date, but they can dry out or become brittle over time, especially if stored in hot or humid conditions. While they’re still usable, old crayons may lose some of their smoothness or color vibrancy. The good news? Even older, broken crayons can be melted down and transformed into fun new creations. So, if you’re wondering what to do with old crayons, there are many ways you can recycle them.
What are leftover crayons called?
Leftover crayons are often just called “broken crayons” or “crayon bits,” but in art and upcycling communities, you might hear them referred to as “crayon scraps.” Whatever you call them, they’re perfect for creative projects and give you a great excuse to get crafty!
Is it safe to bake crayons?
Yes, it’s generally safe to bake crayons as long as you take a few basic precautions. Crayons are made primarily from paraffin wax and non-toxic pigments, so melting them at a low temperature (around 200–250°F or 93–120°C) in a well-ventilated area is considered safe for most home projects.Â
Always use silicone molds or muffin tins that are dedicated to crafts, not food, as melted wax can leave residue. Supervise children during the process, and avoid overheating the crayons, as burning wax can release fumes.
How to dispose of old crayons?
The best way to dispose of old crayons is to recycle or repurpose them whenever possible. Instead of throwing them in the trash, consider melting them down into new crayons, donating them to organizations like The Crayon Initiative, or using them for craft projects.Â
If they’re too damaged to reuse, check with your local recycling center, some accept wax materials. As a last resort, you can dispose of them in the regular trash, but repurposing is a more eco-friendly option that helps reduce waste and encourages creativity.
