How To Properly Dispose of Fireplace Ashes

When enjoying the natural aroma of hickory, oak, pecan, or other popular hardwoods burning in the fireplace, you may have noticed the large pile of primarily white ash rising near the top of the grate. While visiting homeowners in Fishkill, Germantown, and around our Hudson River Valley, NY service area, we noticed many folks were unsure what to do with the burnt fireplace ash in the firebox. Here is a quick reference article about properly disposing of fireplace ashes.

What is Wood Ash

Wood ash is the fine, gray powder that remains after burning wood in your fireplace, insert, or stove. It comprises calcium carbonate, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals. The ash can be recycled for many uses, such as fertilizer, fire retardant, or even for de-icing your car windows.

Steps for Proper Ash Disposal

Fireplace ashes can be a fire hazard if not disposed of properly. Here are the steps on how to dispose of fireplace ashes safely:

Step 1: Wait for the ashes to cool completely.

We recommend waiting 24 to 48 hours to ensure the ash has completely cooled down before handling it to prevent any chances of re-ignition. As ash is acidic, always wearing gloves, masks, and protective eyewear is vital to avoid inhaling or coming in contact with it.

Step 2: Shovel the ashes into a metal bucket.

Use a metal bucket or container with an airtight lid to safely store ash. Avoid using a plastic bucket, as the heat from the ash could quickly melt it.

Step 3: Store the ash bucket in a cool, dry place.

Ensure the ash container is at a safe distance of at least three feet from flammable materials.

Step 4: Wait 24 hours before disposing to ensure they are cool.

Once the ash has cooled, you have two options. You can put it in a bag and dispose of it with your regular trash or recycle it. However, we suggest checking with your local refuse company or municipality first to ensure you follow any regulatory requirements or proper disposal instructions.

Recycling Burnt Firewood Ash in Ulster County, NY

There are numerous creative and efficient ways to recycle nutrient-rich wood ash. Here are some ideas:

• Use it as a garden fertilizer: Did you know that wood ash can be a valuable source of nutrients for your plants? However, before applying it to your soil, it’s crucial to conduct a soil test to avoid overloading it with these nutrients.
• Add it to your compost pile: You can also use wood ash to aid in balancing the pH of your compost pile and increasing its alkalinity.
• Use it to de-ice your sidewalks and driveways: Wood ash is an excellent natural, environmentally friendly deicer.
• Turn it into a fire starter: A helpful tip for starting a fire is to mix the ash with sawdust or wood shavings. This will create a fire starter that can easily ignite and burn with high intensity.

When recycling fireplace ashes, always remember that they may still be hot. Also, do not recycle ashes from burned treated wood, such as pressure-treated lumber. The chemicals in treated wood can leach into the soil and contaminate the environment.

Professional Fireplace Inspection and Cleaning Services

Summer is the perfect season to properly dispose of wood ashes and get a head start on preparing the fireplace for its next burn season in the Hudson River Valley, NY, area. It’s also a great time to schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning before the winter rush. Call Hudson Valley Chimney at (845) 471-1071 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with a certified chimney professional.