As warm weather activities increase, the City’s Recycling and Solid Waste Division reminds residents to stay safe with these tips on disposing of charcoal briquettes and other hazardous materials.

When disposing of charcoal briquettes, ensure they are fully extinguished and completely cold before placing them in the garbage. Warm briquettes can ignite a fire in the garbage container.

After grilling, spread out the coals so they don’t touch and allow them to cool overnight before disposal. For a faster method, soak the briquettes in water for 20 minutes to an hour, then place them in a container or wrap them in non-combustible material—such as aluminum foil—before putting them in the garbage.  

Charcoal briquettes generally belong in the garbage due to the chemical byproducts they often contain. However, some briquettes made from natural materials can be placed in the organic waste container.

“People looking for a more sustainable alternative to charcoal can use briquettes made of bamboo, coconut shells or other natural materials, which can go in your organics container or even in a backyard compost,” said Jesa David, spokesperson for the Recycling and Solid Waste Division.  

Any food scraps, including meat, bones, and spoiled food, should also be recycled in the organic waste container 

Charcoal lighter fluid and propane tanks are considered household hazardous waste (HHW) and require special handling. Lighter fluid should be stored in its original container and taken to a hazardous waste facility for proper disposal.

Propane tanks should be empty and brought to the HHW facility for disposal.  

The City’s HHW facility (8491 Fruitridge Road) is open Tuesday through Saturday and accepts household hazardous waste such as batteries, paint, pesticides, and electronic waste for free disposal. More information can be found at www.sacrecycle.org. 

City waste collection services will occur as usual on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025.