Best and worse disposal idea for fireplace ash

[RalphVa]

We use our fireplace a lot in the colder months and so have ash to dispose of. Should we just dispose of it somewhere on the property or is there a more useful way to dispose of the ash. Note - we also burn old lumber we seem to always collect somehow and some of that has nails and screws, so for that we would have to dispose of differently.

Anyway, just wondering.

We had wood stoves in NJ and VT. Just put them in an ash bucket and let sit to cool. Then into the trash. Hard to dispose of in the garden because it'll raise pH too much.

Ralph

 

[Industrial Toys]

Railroads used to use ash as fill. If you have a low spot, that's a good place for it, then cover with earth, or stone.

 

[Ken45101]

We had wood stoves in NJ and VT. Just put them in an ash bucket and let sit to cool. Then into the trash. Hard to dispose of in the garden because it'll raise pH too much.

Ralph

Just don't assume that because it is cool on the outside, it is safe to dump in the trash, there may still be hot coals insulated inside. A trash can sitting next to the house, or in the garage, is a bad place to have a fire start (or in the trash truck!) I would let the ashes sit at least for a week to be safe. Actually, as a retired firefighter, I would not put ashes in the trash at all.

Ken

 

[goeduck]

What does everyone do with their creosote? Granted not much to deal with, but curious.

 

[Industrial Toys]

If I had some, I'd just smell it! Mmmmmm

 

[Fuddy1952]

What does everyone do with their creosote? Granted not much to deal with, but curious.

If I had creosote I'd use it to paint bottom of posts going into the ground. Now I'll get environmentalists replies "don't do that".
Or give it to someone who buries fence.

 

[Fuddy1952]

If I had some, I'd just smell it! Mmmmmm

I love creosote smell also. My Dad said he used to eat some as a kid . He lived a long time.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Brings back memories on a hot summer day, maybe up north somewhere and coming across something preserved in Creosote. I wonder if any of the workers that produced the stuff are still alive?

 

[goeduck]

I love creosote smell also. My Dad said he used to eat some as a kid . He lived a long time.

Now I have heard everything :shocked:

 

[4570Man]

Just don't assume that because it is cool on the outside, it is safe to dump in the trash, there may still be hot coals insulated inside. A trash can sitting next to the house, or in the garage, is a bad place to have a fire start (or in the trash truck!) I would let the ashes sit at least for a week to be safe. Actually, as a retired firefighter, I would not put ashes in the trash at all.

Ken

Ash is a good insulator. I’ve had buckets that still had coals for several days.