Hazardous

Never put hot or warm ashes in any bin

They cause bin lorry and house fires.

Ashes from a fire or wood burner

Also called: ash, ashes, wood ash, fireplace ash, fire ash, wood burner ash

General waste

National rules. Choose your council to see its answer.

Your council's answer

The answer can differ by council. Choose your council to see its rules for this item.

How to prepare it

  1. Let ashes cool completely, ideally for at least 48 hours, in a metal bucket
  2. Bag cold ashes and put them in general waste
  3. Small amounts of cold wood ash (not coal) can go on the compost heap or garden

National rules

The answer isn't the same in every UK nation. Choose your council to see the one that applies to you.

England, Scotland and Northern Ireland

General waste

This can't be recycled here. Put it in your general waste bin.

This item can't be recycled at home, so put it in your general waste bin.

Wales

General waste

This can't be recycled here. Put it in your general waste bin.

This item can't be recycled at home, so put it in your general waste; check if your council also collects nappies and incontinence pads separately.

Wales-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source

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