Those who decide to break out the barbecue pit this Father’s Day might want to consider how to properly dispose of hot coals and ashes. Several times a year residents burn up their trash and/or recycling carts or worse— a collection truck— through improper disposal of hot coals or ashes from fireplaces or grills, according to EDCO, a local waste and recycling company. Coals and ashes from fires can remain hot enough to start a fire for many hours, or perhaps days, after outdoor cooks think the fire is out.
Hot coals can burn the heavy-duty plastic trash and recycle cart and can even spark a home fire if the cart is next to a house. Also, if the ashes or coals are not cooled downed and end up in a trash or recycling truck, there is the potential to spark a fire inside of the truck and surrounding areas.
To properly dispose of ashes or coals, the following tips are recommended:
• If possible, allow ashes and coals to cool in the area where you had the fire for several days. The fireplace or grill is designed to contain their heat safely.
• If time is limited, speed cooling by alternately stirring the ashes and spraying them with water. Use sand to completely extinguish coals if water is unavailable.
• Dispose of coals and ash in a sealed container or bag as you would regular garbage once you are certain the risk of fire has passed.
• Do not place other combustibles in carts.
Improper disposal of hazardous materials, including highly flammable and combustible items, such as auto and alkaline batteries, aerosol cans, pool and garden chemicals, can also pose a large hazard. Residents should never place hazardous materials inside any collection cart. Instead, residents should properly dispose of these items at household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities and special HHW collection events.
The Los Angeles County Household Hazardous Waste Line can provide more information on appropriate disposal sites at (800) 238-0173.
Source: EDCO
