With practically everything being made to be disposable these days, it’s refreshing to find people willing to figure out ways to make something built to be thrown away, reusable.
This video demonstrates a very useful method on how to refill long-handled disposable lighters. This could save you a few bucks and may even make you the hero at your next BBQ!
Note: As with any object containing flammable liquid, caution is strongly advised.
Share this recycling trick with your friends!
Another option readily available is to buy an inexpensive refillable lighter. You can buy a can of butane for a couple of dollars and it will take a few seconds to refill when you need it.
Many people use lighters but do not know how to properly dispose of them. Here is a guide on how to dispose of unused disposable lighters.
A disposable lighter is a type of light that is designed to be used only once and then disposed of.
They are commonly used on camping trips and outdoor events, where they can be easily replaced if they become lost or malfunction while in use.
They are ideal for use as emergency lighting as well as camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities that may require you to use flammable materials such as gas-powered appliances or campfires.
A disposable lighter contains an ignition mechanism that creates a spark, which is used to ignite the fuel.
According to OEC, Lighters were the world’s 742nd most traded product, with total trade of $1.77B in 2020.
Can you imagine how much waste and why we should dispose of them correctly?
Are you searching for the best idea on how to dispose of unused disposable lighters?
Here is a little guide on the best and most effective steps you can take in order to relieve yourself of unused but still hazardous lighters.
Contents
- Why do you need to dispose of unused disposable lighters
- How to dispose of unused disposable lighters
- 1. Take them to the household waste recycling center
- 2. Give it away
- 3. Collect them and return them to the manufacturers
- 4. Contacting the local authority
- 5. Throw it into the trash can
- What you need to note before disposing of unused disposable lighters
- FAQ
- You have to read this!
Why do you need to dispose of unused disposable lighters
1. Because they are a fire hazard
Disposing of an unused disposable lighter can be a challenge because they contain the fuel that could leak into the ground and cause hazardous fumes to float up into your home.
Disposing of your lighter properly will prevent your home from catching fire and keep everyone around you safe.
2. They contain harmful chemicals
Disposable lighters often contain a toxic mixture of chemicals, including lighter fluid and butane, which can cause adverse health effects like headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and even death.
If you have unused lighters lying around in your house or garage, it’s important to get rid of them safely.
How to dispose of unused disposable lighters
1. Take them to the household waste recycling center
It is best to dispose of unused disposable lighters by bringing them to the local household waste recycling center.
These centers have been created specifically for people to take household items that they don’t need anymore or don’t want anymore and recycle them into reusable materials.
When you bring your unwanted disposable lighters in to be recycled they will be separated out from the rest of the materials and melted down into raw materials that can be reused in other products.
Gather all the lighters that are in the house in one place. Wrap them up in the newspaper if you have some. Put them in a paper bag and take them out
2. Give it away
Disposable lighters are useful for some people. They can use it as a tool or even something to sell in order to make a living. So if you have it and do not need it, just give it away to someone who knows how to deal with it.
Return them to the store where you purchased it
Another tip to dispose of your unused disposable lighters is to return them to the store where you purchased them. Almost all stores have a policy that allows you to return the lighter for a full refund if it was unused.
Different brands will have different policies, but most stores will accept returns of unused lighters no matter where they were purchased.
3. Collect them and return them to the manufacturers
You can dispose of unused disposable lighters by collecting them and returning them to the manufacturers. They will then take back your used lighters and make sure they’re disposed of safely.
If your unused lighters are from different manufacturers or stores and you don’t want to go all over town collecting receipts, try asking your local hardware store if they accept returns from customers.
4. Contacting the local authority
If you need to dispose of an unused disposable lighter, contact the local authorities. They’ve dealt with these kinds of issues before and know how to deal with them safely, efficiently, and legally.
5. Throw it into the trash can
You can dispose of unused disposable lighters by throwing them in the trash bin. Only do this when you have no option.
Before disposing of unused disposable lighters, make sure that they are empty. Put them inside a sealed plastic bag to make sure there is no residue left.
Label it ‘Hazardous Waste’ to make it easy to spot.
What you need to note before disposing of unused disposable lighters
1. Never dispose of a lighter in a fire
First, you should never dispose of a lighter in a fire. The butane inside it can cause the fire to spread and become much more dangerous.
It’s an action you should avoid because it could start forest fires.
2. Store them safely in hard containers out of the reach of children
Disposing of unused disposable lighters is a simple task, but in the process, there are precautions that you should take to make sure they don’t end up in the wrong hands.
Do not allow the children to access the lighters. Store them safely in rigid containers out of reach of children or pets.
3. Do not bury them
Never bury an unused disposable lighters.
It is not biodegradable and it could harm the soil quality. They can leak toxic chemicals into the soil and water table.
FAQ
Is it Legal to Throw Away a Lighter?
There is a common misconception that throwing away lighters or their butane fuel is illegal. The truth is that you can throw away the lighters as long as they are kept in an airtight container.
Can Used Lighters Be Recycled?
Lighters can be recycled at many local waste recycling centers. Some local fire stations will collect them if you bring them in with your other household waste.
Are lighters flammable?
Lighters are flammable! Lighters work by combusting butane from a source outside of the lighter itself. This creates a small flame that can be used to ignite other things.
Conclusion
Disposing of disposable lighters can sometimes be confusing. With many different options available, it is not surprising that people often wonder what the best way is to dispose of these products.
In this post, we’ll look at five ways that you can properly dispose of your unused disposable lighters.
- Take them to the local household waste recycling center
- Give it away
- Collect them and return them to the manufacturers
- Contacting local authority
- Throw it into the trash can
If you have a problem with household disposing, read my other tip to dispose of matches and mop water properly!