How to Safely Dispose of Charcoal Ash

If you're planning to grill this summer, you'll need to dispose of charcoal ash. Charcoal burns very hot. Depending on the type of charcoal -- along with other factors like airflow, outdoor temperature, etc. -- it can reach temperatures of 500 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. As it burns down, it will leave behind a pile of ash. How do you safely dispose of charcoal ash exactly?

Wait at Least 48 Hours

You should wait at least 48 hours before attempting to dispose of charcoal ash. If you just finished grilling, for instance, don't attempt to dispose of or otherwise handle the charcoal ash. Instead, wait at least 48 hours. Charcoal ash can stay hot for many hours after it has been extinguished. By waiting at least 48 hours to dispose of it, you can rest assured knowing that it's no longer hot.

Store Inside a Metal Container

You can safely dispose of charcoal ash by storing it inside a metal container. Some homeowners, in fact, keep a metal container next to their grill for this purpose. After waiting for the charcoal ash to cool, use a handheld scooper or shovel tool to transfer it. You can transfer the charcoal ash from the grill to the metal container.

Use as Compost

What should you do with the charcoal ash in the metal container exactly? One idea is to use it as compost. Charcoal ash contains nutrients that plants need to survive. If you have a garden, you can sprinkle some of the charcoal ash around the nearby plants. As the plans soak up the charcoal ash, they'll become healthier.

De-Ice Sidewalk

If you live in a cold region, you may want to use charcoal ash to de-ice your sidewalk. Ice can build up on sidewalks. If left unchecked, it can create a slip-and-fall hazard for you and your family. An easy and inexpensive way to de-ice sidewalks, though, is to use charcoal ash. Sprinkling charcoal ash on your sidewalk will encourage any lingering ice to melt.

Pest Control

Another way to use charcoal ash is pest control. Charcoal ash has been shown to deter many common pests, particularly small insect pests. Garden slugs, for example, will avoid charcoal ash. If you notice that garden slugs are taking over your landscape, you can create a barrier with charcoal ash. Sprinkling charcoal ash around a tree or plant will discourage garden slugs from feasting on it.