Prevent fires in the trash: handle hot ashes safely

Published on January 27, 2025

The Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management department sends a reminder to residents: fireplace and stove ashes can cause fires in the trash. 

For proper handling of this material here are a few suggestions:  

  • Store ashes in a tightly covered metal container. 
  • Allow hot ashes to fully extinguish for at least 7 days. 
  • Store ashes at least 10 feet away from structures. 
  • Spray hot ashes down with water.  

Wood ashes don’t need to go into the trash. Reuse and repurpose when you can. For example, once fully extinguished, small quantities of wood ashes add nutrients to compost and soil. 

Source: https://www.usfa.fema.gov

 

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