How to Dispose of Lighters Safely and Other Important Safety Tips
Knowing how to dispose of lighters safely is simple. According to most sources, empty lighters should be thrown in the trash. That’s true of BIC lighters and Butane lighters.
The key here is they all have to be empty. If they’re partially used or unused, it’s best to bring it to your local recycling facility.
But how do we know when a lighter is empty? Here’s more of what’s important to know.
How to empty lighters
One source noted that the flame shooting out in on-and-off spurts may indicate it’s empty. But the fuel can be burned off by just keeping the flame going until it runs out.
According to the New York City government, lighter fluids should never be poured down the drain or on in a sewer.
Instead, contact a chemical waste disposal company or a hazardous material company.
Create ways to use old lighters
For those who like to reuse the things they use up, there are a number of ways to reuse an old lighter. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Turn it to jewelry
- Create a secret container
- Use as a bottle opener
Lighter Safety Tips
While we’re on the topic of safe lighter disposal, it’s good to be aware how to safely use it. Here are two lighter safety tips to keep in mind.
1. Keep lighters away from children
Children should never be around lighters. Be sure to put them out of reach in a secure location. Children should also be taught not to touch a lighter they find and tell an adult as soon as possible.
2. Avoid using compromised lighters
Be sure to not use lighters that are compromised. A lighter has been compromised if it’s been exposed to excessive heat, or in violation of the warnings found on BIC lighters.
Takeaways
Remember to always make sure the lighter is empty when disposing of it. If unsure whether the fluid has run out, keep the flame going until it runs out.
