If you have a fire pit, you’ve probably had to deal with ashes at some point. What do you do with them? Do you just leave them there? Or maybe try to sweep them up and put them in the trash can? Unfortunately, neither of these methods is the correct way to dispose of ashes.
The best way to dispose of fire pit ashes is to:
- Allow for ashes to cool down.
- Transfer ashes to a metal container and wet them down.
- Keep the metal container away from your home, ensuring there aren’t any combustibles near it until all the refuse hauls away.
In this blog post, we will go deeper into the steps of properly disposing of ashes and why it’s essential to do so. So, let’s dive in. Shall we?
Proper Disposal of Fire Pit Ashes
Ashes are inevitable if you have a fire pit. However, you can’t just dispose of them by throwing them in the trash or anywhere else on your property.
There are several reasons to keep ashes out of the garbage and away from landfills:
- They may still contain embers that could start a fire.
- They have a lot of toxins that will leach into the soil and cause environmental pollution.
- Landfills are already overflowing, so we need to do our part to keep them from filling up even more.
With these reasons in mind, you can see why it’s essential to take care when disposing of fire pit ashes. So, what’s the best way to do it? Follow the steps below for safe, responsible disposal.
Wait Until the Ashes Are Cold
It’s essential to wait until your ashes are completely cool before doing anything with them. This way, you’ll avoid the risk of accidentally starting a fire or getting burned.
As a general rule of thumb, leave the ashes and partially burnt wood in the fire pit for a few days before attempting to handle them.
Remove the Ashes Safely
Once you’re sure the ashes are cool, remove the fire pit cover screen. Next, use a fire poker or any long metal-ended garden tool to move the ashes and wood bits around the fire pit to ensure there are no hot embers.
Afterwards, use a shovel, scoop, or shovel to remove the fire pit ashes and place them in a sealable metal container.
Be sure to keep the lid of the container open until you’re ready to dispose of your ashes, allowing air to circulate the inside, so there’s no risk of carbon monoxide build-up.
Get Rid of the Ashes
When you’re done transferring the ashes to the container, pour some water on the ashes to ensure they are completely out. Once you’re satisfied that all the ashes have been extinguished, close the container and discard them in an appropriate trash receptacle for pick up.
Some trash pick-up services will not accept ashes for disposal, so it’s important to check with your local municipality before you do anything. In some cases, you may be able to take the ashes to a designated landfill or waste-to-energy plant.
If the trash pick-up service accepts ashes for disposal, ensure you follow all their guidelines. For example, they may require you to use a specific container or size bag to dispose of the ashes appropriately. Avoid storing the container in a cardboard or plastic bag because these materials may catch fire or melt, causing a fire.
Alternatively, keep the metal container away from your home, ensuring no combustibles are close to it until the refused hauls away.
Consider Reusing the Ashes
Before you dispose of the ashes, consider any other ways to reuse them. For example, you could add the ashes to your compost pile or use them to fertilize your garden. Ashes are rich in calcium, potassium, and other trace minerals that plants need to thrive.
You can also use fire pit ashes to clean up wet paint drips or spills. The ashes will absorb the paint and make it easier to clean up.
Wrapping Up
It’s crucial to dispose of fire pit ashes safely and correctly. By following the tips in this post, you can ensure that your ashes are disposed of properly and don’t pose a danger to your home or community.
Remember to always consult with your local trash pick-up service to find out their rules for disposing of ashes. Additionally, be sure that you are following all fire safety regulations and have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby just in case something happens.
