If you’ve been burning wood in your fireplace, chances are that you now have a pile of ashes to deal with. Can you just throw the ashes into the garbage? No! This is not what most people want to do and there is an easy solution for this problem: we will show you how to dispose of them properly.
Fireplace ashes are an eyesore. No one wants to look at them sitting in their fireplace all year long, but they don’t want to spend the time and effort to clean up either. The solution is simple: throw your fire place’s ashes in the garbage! It sounds easy, right? But there are some things you should know before you do it. This blog post will answer any questions you may have about throwing your fireplace ashes in the trash can so that you can get rid of them for good!
What are Ashes?
Fireplace ashes are the leftover pieces of firewood in a fireplace after it has burned. Ashes can also be referred to as “soot”, which is created when smoke particles change from a solid state to an airborne state and attach themselves to surfaces like walls or rugs. So what could this black soot actually look like? It is usually a fine powder, but it can also be clumpy or thick.
Fireplace ashes are the leftover pieces of firewood in a fireplace after it has burned. Ashes can also be referred to as “soot”, which is created when smoke particles change from a solid state to an airborne state and attach themselves to surfaces like walls or rugs. So what could this black soot actually look like? It is usually a fine powder, but it can also be clumpy or thick.
Why would you want to throw Ashes in the Garbage?
Ashes are made up of burned material. Many types of materials can be harmful to the environment or humans if they are not disposed of properly. For instance, ashes with metal in them may contain trace metals that could contaminate groundwater if improperly discarded. As a rule, homeowners should avoid disposing ashes directly into waterways, down the drain or on the ground.
Can I throw Fireplace Ashes in the Garbage?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Although ashes are made up of burned material, they can still contain trace metals that could contaminate groundwater if improperly discarded. As a rule, homeowners should avoid disposing ashes directly into waterways, down the drain or on the ground to prevent contamination.
How do I dispose of Ashes?
Ashes can be disposed of in the garbage. If your municipality restricts what goes into the garbage, you will need to check with them about what they allow for ashes or consult your local fire department. While most municipalities do not consider fireplace ash as hazardous waste, some may require that it is doublebagged before putting it out on trash day.
Ashes should be cool to the touch before disposal. Do not dispose of hot ash in plastic bags, as it may melt the bag and spread live embers through your garbage can or dumpster. If you do not have access to a metal container that is large enough for all fireplace ashes, stir them into water until they are thoroughly saturated, then wait several hours for them to cool. Dispose of ashes in the metal container with a lid, or doublebag cooled ash and dispose of it in the garbage.
If you have a compost pile, fireplace ashes can be used as an amendment to the soil. Ashes will add nutrients and improve drainage; however they should not replace other amendments such as peat moss or finished compost. Use them in moderation (a handful per cubic foot of soil) to avoid burning your plants like it did mine!
Disposal options for Ashes
If you have a fireplace at home, sometimes it can be difficult to know how to dispose of your ashes. You might think that they should go in the garbage or recycling bin, but this could create problems for local waste management systems and harm the environment. Here’s what you need to know about disposal options when it comes to these ashes.
Ashes are of course composed mostly of burnt matter, which means it contains carbon. This can be problematic if you just throw them in the recycling or garbage bins together with all of your paper and food waste. Because they’re wet and dry wastes get processed separately, this could create issues for local waste management services and harm the environment.
The first option that we recommend is to keep them in a metal container and either bury them or take them out of town and throw away, as long as you’re sure they won’t cause issues for people who come across it later on. If this doesn’t sound appealing to you because your ashes might be wet from rain or snow, you can just keep them in an airtight container until garbage day.
If the ashes are still hot and tiny pieces of ember could be present, we recommend using a metal dust pan to sweep it into a pile. Then pour some cold water over the area where they were sitting at to make sure that any remaining sparks will be put out.
If you do decide to throw them in the garbage, we recommend double bagging it and putting it inside another larger plastic bin with a lid before disposing of it. That way if any sparks are present they won’t cause issues for others down the line who might touch or breath in these ashes by accident!
Where can you get rid of your Ashes Legally and Cheaply?
The City of Detroit has a “EWaste” event in January, when you can bring your old electronics like TVs and Computers to the Cobo Center. They’ll take them for free! This is also where people who are moving out will put their couches at the curb. Either way it’s worth checking if the TV is still working.
There are also a few companies that will come to your home and remove whatever you want, for free! Just make sure they don’t charge an extra fee if the item weighs more than it used too. Check Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, but be careful who you meet with in person. Only give access to your home to someone you really trust.
Heed the warning signs! Don’t burn plastics, styrofoam or other materials that give off toxic fumes when burned. If it smells weird, don’t do it!
Environmental Protection
The EPA is an organization that works to ensure the safety of our air, water, and land. They are responsible for ensuring proper disposal procedures so they have put together a list of what you can throw in your garbage or recycling bin. This will help keep our environment safe!
Safety Tips
Do not burn any type of paper or plastic in your fireplace. Paper and plastics give off toxic fumes when burned, which can cause serious respiratory problems if inhaled. In addition to this, burning these items will create a lot more ashes that need to be disposed of later on. The best thing you can do is use natural materials such as wood in your fireplace.
When cleaning up ashes, always use a metal shovel and dustpan to scoop them into the bucket. Using plastic will not only melt when it comes in contact with the hot ashes but also because of this you’ll be left with sticky goo that is difficult to clean off later on. Scooping out the ashes with a metal shovel and dustpan will prevent this problem. If you don’t have one, then use a rag to clean the ashes off of the shovel before scooping them into your bucket.
Always wear rubber gloves when dumping out large amounts of ash from your fireplace or woodstove so that it doesn’t get on your skin. If you do get ashes on your hands, it is important that you wipe them off immediately to prevent any of the toxins from being absorbed into your body. Another alternative would be wearing a face mask when handling large amounts so as not inhale harmful carbon monoxide fumes given off by burning wood and other small materials in the fire place or woodstove.
FAQs
Can I throw fireplace ashes in the garbage?
No. You cannot put smokey, hot ashes from a fire pit or chimney into a landfill. These are packed with contaminants and can potentially harm workers at your local waste management facility. If you have any questions about what is considered hazardous material please call 311 to speak to a waste management representative in your city.
I tried to put the ashes in my recycling bin. Is that okay?
No, this is not safe either. The smoke or heat can damage the quality of your recyclables and render them unusable for future reuse. If you want to avoid having ashes accumulate around your home before putting them out for collection, you can put them in a bag and place it near your garbage.
I have recently had an outdoor fire pit installed on my property. What should I do with the ashes?
When properly contained, ash left over from an outdoor fireplace or woodburning stove is okay to discard into your household recycling bin if it is cool to the touch. Every city has different guidelines for what can be considered safe in your recycling bin, so please check with your local waste management service provider.
What happens if I put my fireplace ash in the wrong bin?
If you have improperly disposed of your scorching hot ashes, it is alright! Most waste management companies will pick up your bag and safely dispose of them. It may be a good idea to check with local authorities as some cities require residents to pay for special bags that they can then dispose of in their recycling bins.
Can you put fireplace ashes on your compost pile?
Yes! If the majority of the materials you are putting into your composter are organic, these fine ashes will act as an excellent natural fertilizer for all of your future plantings. Be sure to keep them away from your food crops and away from children and pets.
Is it okay to put fireplace ashes in the garden?
Yes! Especially when mixed with compost, ash will add essential nutrients back into your soil that may have been depleted over time by constant plant growth. This is a great way to make use of any leftover ashes after you are done with your fire pit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fireplace Ashes can be thrown in the garbage as long as you follow these simple steps. It is recommend that if you have a fireplace or use one often, to always check with your local city or municipality for official rules and regulations regarding trash disposal. Luckily we’ve given step by step instructions on how to throw ashes in the garbage.