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From Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Agency - How to Properly Dispose of Hot Ashes

Many people don’t realize how dangerous hot ashes are; assuming the risk of fire disappears as the flames die down. Even after several days of your last fire, wood ashes retain enough heat to ignite a forest fire, house fire, or other combustible materials in your trash can if improperly disposed. After the fire has burned out, special steps need to be taken in order to protect your family and the community.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL!

Follow these steps to keep everyone safe:

Carefully empty the hot ashes into a metal container that can be closed tightly with a metal lid;Never use a vacuum cleaner to collect ashes;Douse the ashes with water and cover the lid securely;Store the covered container in a safe place outside of your house and away from wind and other ignitable or combustible items. Do not dispose of hot ashes in plastic, paper, or cardboard;Leave ashes in the container for several days to cool completely;Once the ashes have cooled completely, you can place them in a plastic bag, tie it securely, and dispose of it in your curbside trash can or at a County solid waste transfer station. The Eldorado, Nambe, and Jacona Transfer Stations have special ash boxes for your convenience;Do not assume the ashes are cold and pour them onto the ground or into a hole where leaves can blow onto them or the wind can stir up sparks; If using ashes on your garden make sure you moisten the area before dumping the ashes;Ashes may be used as a repellent. Sprinkle ashes along the paths through the garden to discourage slugs and snails. Make sure you moisten the area before dumping the ashes.

If the steps are not followed, you may be putting your family and community at risk. Houses have burned, garbage trucks have caught on fire, and people have been seriously hurt. If you are not positive if the ashes are completely cool, just wait longer, it might save a life.