Proper Disposal of Ashes

Fireplaces, Pellet Stoves, Woodburners, Etc.

With the increased use of outdoor fireplaces and alternative heating methods (pellet stoves, corn burners, etc.) the City of Oshkosh has had an increase in fires due to careless/improper disposal of the leftover ashes. Even after several days piles of ashes can hold enough heat to reignite and start a fire. Therefore, extra care should be used in the storage and final disposal of them.

• First of all, make sure there are no hot spots left in the ashes. This is done either by soaking them in water or leaving them sit for a few days if practical (and then double checking them for hot spots). Besides doing this for the above-mentioned appliances this also holds true for cigarette and charcoal grill ashes.
• Secondly, all ashes should be stored in a fire-resistant (metal) container with a tight fitting cover (buckets made especially for storage of ashes are available at many area retailers). They should NEVER be disposed of in a plastic garbage bag or can, a cardboard box, or paper grocery bag. While this sounds obvious, it happens way too often.
• This metal container should then be placed away from anything that can burn. It should NOT be placed next to the firewood pile, up against the garage, on or under a wooden deck, or under a porch—all of these have started fires in the City of Oshkosh.
• After sitting in this metal container for a week the ashes are then safe to dispose of in your trash.