With grilling season underway, the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Solid Waste Services (DSWS) and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) remind residents about the importance of safely disposing of the ash generated when using outdoor grills and provide the following tips.
Never put out ashes from outdoor barbecues (and fire pits or fireplaces) for collection with the regular household trash unless the ashes have been thoroughly soaked with water or held for at least a week to ensure there are no residual embers.
Cooled ashes may be brought to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station, for disposal in specifically-designated ash containers. The Transfer Station is located at 16101 Frederick Rd., Derwood (off Rt. 355 at Shady Grove Rd.).
Fire Chief Steve Lohr said, “Improper disposal of ashes or hot coals from fireplaces, grills or mobile fireplaces designed for decks or patios has become a common cause of many recent fires. Embers often concealed in what appears to be cold ashes, can remain hot enough to rekindle a fire for several days,” he explained. “We want residents to enjoy their fireplaces and grills but to always dispose of the ashes wisely.”
The DSWS website has more information on properly disposing of ashes and see additional tips from MCFRS in the news release.
