If you’ve ever cleaned your bong and noticed that sticky, dark residue clinging to the glass, you’ve already met reclaim.
It’s the concentrated leftovers from your sessions—partially vaporized cannabinoids and terpenes that didn’t make it to your lungs.
Some see it as waste, but reclaim is far from useless. In fact, it can contain anywhere from 30-60% THC, making it a potent resource if collected properly.
Unlike fresh concentrates, reclaim has already been exposed to heat, meaning it’s decarboxylated—ready to be consumed without further activation.
This makes it ideal for edibles, tinctures, or even a last-resort dab when you’re running low. But before you scrape and smoke, it’s worth understanding how reclaim forms, how to extract it cleanly, and whether it’s safe to use.
How Does Reclaim Form in Your Bong?
Reclaim isn’t just random gunk clinging to your glass—it’s the condensed remains of cannabinoids and terpenes that didn’t fully combust or vaporize during your session.
When you heat concentrates or flower, not everything is inhaled.
Some of it cools and sticks to the walls of your bong, downstem, or dab rig, forming that thick, waxy buildup known as reclaim.
The way reclaim forms depends on what you’re smoking.
If you’re using a dab rig, the reclaim is mostly vaporized concentrate that didn’t reach your lungs. It’s cleaner, richer in cannabinoids, and usually smoother to reuse.
On the other hand, if you’re smoking flower, your reclaim will contain more carbon, tar, and combustion byproducts, making it harsher and less desirable for consumption.
Heat plays a major role.
When concentrates hit a hot nail or banger, some cannabinoids evaporate but don’t make it through the rig before cooling down and sticking to the glass.
If the temperature is too low, more reclaim gets left behind because the oil doesn’t fully vaporize. If it’s too high, reclaim degrades faster, losing potency and flavor.
Over time, reclaim can change in potency and effect.
THC gradually breaks down into CBN, a cannabinoid known for its sedative properties. That’s why older reclaim tends to feel more relaxing or sleepy compared to fresh concentrates.
Is Reclaim Worth Collecting?
Reclaim sparks debate.
Some see it as a backup stash, while others consider it a burnt-out remnant of past sessions.
It depends on how it’s collected and what you plan to do with it.
Let’s start with the positive side.
Reclaim still contains 30-60% THC, meaning it can get you high. Unlike fresh concentrates, it’s already decarboxylated, meaning you can eat it as is, mix it into edibles, or infuse it into oils without further heat activation.
For those who enjoy stretching their concentrates as far as possible, reclaim offers a practical way to maximize every dab.
Then there’s the economic factor.
Concentrates aren’t cheap, and reclaim is essentially free. For heavy dabbers, reclaim can add up over time—what some people toss down the drain, others turn into a potent reserve.
Now for the downsides.
The taste is noticeably different. Because it has been exposed to heat, reclaim loses terpenes—the compounds responsible for flavor and aroma. This results in a harsher, less flavorful hit compared to fresh dabs.
When smoked, reclaim can also be harsher on the lungs due to accumulated carbon and impurities.
Another major concern is purity.
If reclaim sits too long in a dirty rig, it can absorb moisture, dust, and bacteria. Smoke reclaim, especially from flower, is loaded with tar and byproducts that make it far less desirable than dab reclaim. If you plan on using reclaim, how you collect and store it matters.
So, is reclaim worth saving?
If it’s from a clean rig and properly stored, absolutely. But if it’s been sitting in murky bong water for weeks, you’re better off cleaning it out and starting fresh.
Best Methods to Collect Reclaim
Reclaim is only as good as the way you collect it.
If you’re scooping it out of a filthy bong, you’re getting more contaminants than cannabinoids. But with the right method, you can extract clean, usable reclaim without damaging your glass.
The best approach depends on your setup, how often you collect, and what you plan to do with the reclaim. Below, we’ll cover four tried-and-true methods: hot water extraction, isopropyl alcohol soak, freezing and scraping, and using a reclaim catcher.
Method 1: Hot Water Extraction (Beginner-Friendly)
If you’re looking for a simple, chemical-free way to collect reclaim, hot water is your best bet. It works by loosening reclaim through heat, allowing it to flow out of your rig without the need for alcohol or solvents.
How to Do It
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Boil water and let it cool slightly—you want it hot, but not bubbling.
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Carefully pour the hot water into your bong or rig, making sure to coat the reclaim-covered areas.
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Gently swirl or shake the piece (covering the openings) to help dislodge the reclaim.
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Pour the reclaim-infused water into a silicone or glass dish and let it cool.
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Once the water evaporates, scrape up the leftover reclaim for use.
Pros & Cons
✅ No need for alcohol or harsh chemicals.
✅ Quick and easy, ideal for first-time reclaim collectors.
❌ Some reclaim may still cling to the glass.
❌ Requires patience for water to evaporate fully.
Method 2: Isopropyl Alcohol Soak (Most Effective)
For a thorough and efficient reclaim collection, an isopropyl alcohol soak is the best method.
It dissolves reclaim quickly, making it easy to extract without excessive scraping.
How to Do It
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Fill your bong or rig with 99% isopropyl alcohol, ensuring all reclaim-coated areas are submerged.
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Cover the openings and shake gently to help break down the reclaim.
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Let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour—longer if the reclaim is stubborn.
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Pour the alcohol-reclaim mixture through a fine strainer into a glass dish.
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Leave it uncovered in a well-ventilated area until the alcohol fully evaporates.
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Scrape and store your reclaim for later use.
Pros & Cons
✅ Removes reclaim thoroughly, leaving your rig cleaner.
✅ Collects a higher percentage of reclaim compared to other methods.
❌ Requires evaporation time to ensure all alcohol is gone.
❌ Not ideal for immediate use unless properly dried.
Method 3: Freezing and Scraping (Low-Mess Alternative)
If you don’t want to deal with liquids, freezing your rig makes reclaim removal easier by hardening it, allowing for a simple scrape-and-collect process.
How to Do It
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Empty your rig and place it in the freezer for at least 1-2 hours. The cold will harden the reclaim and make it brittle.
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Once frozen, use a dab tool or scraper to gently pry off the hardened reclaim.
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Tap the rig lightly to dislodge small pieces and collect them in a silicone container.
Pros & Cons
✅ No need for alcohol or boiling water.
✅ Great for rigs with removable downstems and attachments.
❌ Not as effective for reclaim stuck in hard-to-reach areas.
❌ Requires patience and careful handling of frozen glass.
Method 4: Using a Reclaim Catcher (Best for Frequent Users)
For those who dab regularly, a reclaim catcher is the easiest way to collect reclaim as you go, reducing waste and keeping your rig cleaner.
How to Use It
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Attach a reclaim catcher to your dab rig before your next session. These small glass or silicone attachments sit between the nail and the rig, collecting reclaim before it reaches the main chamber.
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After multiple sessions, remove the reclaim catcher and open the storage section.
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Use a dab tool to collect the fresh reclaim, which is typically cleaner than reclaim scraped from a rig.
Recommendation: Get a reliable, high-quality reclaim catcher from Thick Ass Glass that fits perfectly with your bong.
Pros & Cons
✅ Easiest and cleanest way to collect reclaim.
✅ Keeps your main rig cleaner, reducing buildup.
❌ Requires an additional purchase.
❌ Doesn’t work for flower reclaim—only for concentrates.
How to Use Your Collected Reclaim
Now that you’ve successfully gathered your reclaim, the question is: what do you do with it?
While some smokers instinctively reach for their torch and take a dab, there are actually several ways to put reclaim to good use. Whether you’re looking to smoke it, cook with it, or even make tinctures, the key is understanding how reclaim behaves and what to expect from it.
Because reclaim is already decarboxylated, it doesn’t require additional heat to activate its THC. This makes it ideal for edibles and infusions since it can be added directly to recipes without losing potency.
However, the flavor and purity of reclaim vary, so it’s important to consider how you want to consume it.
Dabbing Reclaim: A Backup Option
Yes, you can dab reclaim, but don’t expect it to taste like fresh concentrates.
Since it has already been heated once, reclaim has lost most of its terpenes, making it harsher and less flavorful. If you decide to dab it, keep the temperature low (below 500°F) to avoid degrading it further.
Pros
✅ Quick and effective THC delivery.
✅ Works well as a last-resort dab.
Cons:
❌ Harsh taste due to terpene loss.
❌ More carbon and impurities than fresh dabs.
Making Edibles with Reclaim
Since reclaim is already activated, it can be melted into butter, coconut oil, or MCT oil for making all kinds of edibles.
This method masks the flavor better than dabbing and makes use of reclaim’s high CBN content, which can have a more sedative effect.
How to Use It
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Gently heat butter or coconut oil in a pan.
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Add reclaim and stir until fully dissolved.
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Strain out any solid impurities (optional).
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Use the infused oil in baked goods, coffee, or capsules.
Pros
✅ No extra decarboxylation needed.
✅ More pleasant than dabbing reclaim.
Cons
❌ Mild cannabis aftertaste.
❌ Less potent than fresh concentrates in edibles.
Creating Tinctures & Capsules
For those who prefer smokeless consumption, dissolving reclaim in high-proof alcohol (like Everclear) creates a simple tincture. It can also be put into gel capsules for easy dosing.
How to Use It
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Mix reclaim with high-proof alcohol and shake well.
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Let it sit for 24 hours to ensure full dissolution.
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Use a dropper to take precise doses.
Pros
✅ Easy to measure and consume.
✅ Ideal for microdosing.
Cons
❌ Alcohol-based tinctures have a strong taste.
❌ Requires high-proof alcohol for proper extraction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Collecting Reclaim
Reclaim can be a useful resource, but how you collect and store it makes all the difference.
Mishandling it can lead to harsh hits, wasted potency, or even contaminated product. Avoid these common mistakes to get the most out of your reclaim.
Overheating Reclaim
Heating reclaim too much—whether during collection or dabbing—destroys remaining cannabinoids and terpenes. THC degrades into CBN, which has a sedative effect, making the reclaim feel weaker and sleepier.
If dabbing reclaim, keep temperatures low (below 500°F) to preserve potency.
Not Storing Reclaim Properly
Leaving reclaim exposed to air, moisture, or dirty glass accelerates degradation. Reclaim can absorb bacteria, dust, and even mold if left sitting too long in bong water.
Always store it in an airtight silicone or glass container to maintain quality.
Using Dirty or Low-Quality Reclaim
Not all reclaim is worth saving. Reclaim from flower contains more tar and combustion byproducts, making it harsher and less desirable than reclaim from concentrates.
If it looks excessively dark or smells burnt, it’s better to clean your rig instead of smoking it.
4. Scraping Too Aggressively
Scraping reclaim with metal tools or excessive force can scratch or damage your glass. Instead, use hot water, alcohol, or freezing methods to loosen reclaim safely.
Taking a careful and clean approach ensures your reclaim is usable, potent, and free from unnecessary contaminants.
Is Reclaim Worth the Trouble?
Reclaim isn’t just leftover residue—it’s a byproduct of your sessions that, when handled correctly, can still pack a punch.
Whether you’re after an emergency dab, a quick edible infusion, or a low-effort tincture, reclaim has its place. The key is knowing when it’s worth saving and when it’s better left behind.
Quality glass plays a big role in reclaim collection.
If you’re serious about maximizing every drop, investing in a reclaim catcher or an easy-to-clean piece can make all the difference.
At Thick Ass Glass, we design our glass with efficiency and durability in mind.
If you’re looking to streamline your reclaim process and keep your sessions smooth, check out our premium glass and accessories built for real smokers.