As the weather gets warmer, potential for fires can increase. By disposing of your waste properly, you can help prevent a fire before it starts.

The City’s Recycling and Solid Waste Division has a few tips for residents on how to be safe when disposing of charcoal briquettes, as well as other hazardous materials that can accompany warm weather activities.

“We want everyone to have a safe holiday,” said Jesa David, spokesperson for the Division. “Fires can start in the truck or at the sorting facility, so we urge residents to take care when disposing of hot or hazardous materials.”

Here’s what to know:

• Charcoal briquettes must be fully extinguished and cold before being added to the garbage. Briquettes that are still warm can start a fire in the garbage container.   

• After grilling, spread out the hot coals so they do not touch each other and let them go cold overnight before adding them to the garbage container.  

• For a faster method, soak the briquettes for at least 20 minutes to an hour, then put the soaked briquettes in a container or wrap in non-combustible material (such as aluminum foil), and throw in the garbage.   

Charcoal briquettes should go in the garbage container. However, some briquettes made from natural materials and without chemical byproducts can be recycled in the organic waste container, along with any food scraps.

Charcoal lighter fluid and propane tanks are considered household hazardous waste (HHW) and should never be put in the garbage container. Leftover lighter fluid should be kept in its original container and brought to a hazardous waste facility for disposal. Empty propane tanks should also be brought to the HHW facility.

The facility is open Tuesday through Saturday and accepts household hazardous waste such as batteries, paint, pesticides, household cleaners, and electronic waste for free disposal.

City waste collection services will occur as usual on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

More information can be found at www.sacrecycle.org.