Practical Guide: 4.4.1 Melting down frames

Controlled melting of frames (e.g., to recover wax or treat used frames) produces clean wax and facilitates the removal of undesirable substances. This summary is based exclusively on the official guidance document 4.4.1 (BGD/SSA).

Official Practical Guide (BGD / SSA) – Summary

Factsheet: 4.4.1 Melting frames

• Objective: Melt frames to obtain clean wax, remove impurities (e.g. propolis), and facilitate recycling or reuse.
• Equipment: Melting device or wax tank, heat-resistant surface, grid or sieve to place frame pieces on, suitable container to collect the melted wax, double boiler or indirect heating tank, protective equipment (goggles, heat-resistant gloves, long-sleeved clothing).([abeilles.ch](https://abeilles.ch/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/4.4.1_fondre_cadres.pdf))
• General procedure:
  • Cut frame remnants into suitable pieces.
  • Prefer indirect heating (double boiler or steam melting) to avoid overheating and burning the wax.
  • Allow the melted wax to drain and filter it through a fine sieve to remove impurities and residues.([abeilles.ch](https://abeilles.ch/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/4.4.1_fondre_cadres.pdf))
  • No open flame under melted wax – fire hazard.([abeilles.ch](https://abeilles.ch/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/4.4.1_fondre_cadres.pdf))
• Safety & Hygiene:
  • Always work with protective equipment (risk of splashes).([abeilles.ch](https://abeilles.ch/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/4.4.1_fondre_cadres.pdf))
  • Avoid fumes and unpleasant odours; ensure good ventilation.([abeilles.ch](https://abeilles.ch/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/4.4.1_fondre_cadres.pdf))
• Disposal / Follow-up:
  • Waste (e.g. frame residues) must be composted or disposed of according to local regulations.([abeilles.ch](https://abeilles.ch/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/4.4.1_fondre_cadres.pdf))
  • Filtered wax can be moulded or stored for other uses.([abeilles.ch](https://abeilles.ch/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/4.4.1_fondre_cadres.pdf))

► PDF of the official factsheet (FR)

► Official factsheet page (abeilles.ch)
Note: section Operational concept and factsheets → 4.4.1 “Melting frames”.([abeilles.ch](https://abeilles.ch/apiculture/concept-dexploitation-aide-memoire/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Summary based on factsheet 4.4.1. Last verification: 01/2026.

See also:

• Practical Guide: 4.4 Comb Renewal
• Wax and Combs
• Beeswax Contamination
• Beeswax – a Very Valuable Asset
• Wax Production by Bees