Those dirty rotten old frames;
 
A large operator here in south Alabama cleans his frames in a 55 gallon
drum of boiling water treated with laundry lye.  He put together two wire
mesh baskets with lids each just smaller than the drum.  After he heats
the water to boiling he loads a baskets with "dirty rotten frames" and
lowers it into the drum.  While they take a 'Bath' he loads the second
wire cage.  Take out the first and lower in the next, in and out all day
while keeping the water boiling.  When all of these recycled frames are
done and the water cools he salvages any wax which has solidified on the
surface.  This operation could be reduced down to fit your or my scale,
but is it worth the effort?
 
If you have 3,000+ hives and can salvage 1,000 frames (100 boxes at 10
frames per box) there is an asset worth $500. Obviously worth a days work
and a box of lye.  If you have a few hives in the backyard as a hobby,
enjoy the time spending it with the bees and not trying to save a few
bucks.  Keep in mind why you started that first hive and don't lose
perspective by trying to run with the big boys.
 
A box of 100 frames costs about $50 puls shipping,about  fifty cents
each.  The time to assemble new frames will be less than that required to
scrape and boil old wooden ware and can be one of the activities that
keeps your interest up over those Maine winters.
 
Best of Luck,
 
Rick Leber, Beekeeping since 1987
Mobile, Alabama