After a long day of grilling, one thing I used to wonder about was what to do with all the leftover charcoal sitting in the grill. Over time, I learned that a lot of it can still be reused, and some of it even comes in handy around the yard.
The good news is that partially burned charcoal usually does not need to be thrown away.
Eddie’s Tip! If you handle it the right way, you can save money and get a few more uses out of it.
Let The Charcoal Cool Down First
Before you do anything with leftover charcoal, make sure it is fully out and completely cooled down.
I never rush this part. Hot charcoal can stay active much longer than people think.
Close The Vents To Put It Out
The easiest way to put out charcoal is by starving it from oxygen.
After cooking, I close all the vents on my charcoal grill or smoker and keep the lid shut. This slowly cuts off the airflow and helps save partially burned charcoal for the next cook.
I usually leave it alone overnight and wait at least 12 hours before touching anything inside the grill.
For a more extended answer, you can read my how to put out a charcoal grill article.
Using Water In An Emergency
Sometimes you may need to put charcoal out quickly. Maybe rain is coming, or you need to move the grill.
In those situations, water works fine.
Just know that wet charcoal needs time to dry before you can reuse it. I usually spread it out on a metal tray or concrete surface and let it dry for a day or two.
If the charcoal turns soft, crumbly, or starts falling apart, I toss it out.
Can You Reuse Charcoal?
Yes, most leftover charcoal can be reused.
I do this all the time with both charcoal grills and smokers. Especially during low-and-slow cooks, I almost always have some usable charcoal left over.
The trick is to separate the good charcoal from the ashes.
Large chunks that are only partially burned still work great for another cook. I simply shake off the loose ash and mix them in with fresh charcoal next time.
Smaller leftover pieces are also useful for shorter cooks like burgers, hot dogs, or chicken thighs.
I wrote a whole post on this, and there you can find my answer to the can you reuse charcoal for grilling opinion.
Eddie’s Tip! Don’t refill your grill completely with old charcoal only.
I usually mix leftover charcoal with fresh charcoal to get more even heat and better airflow.
What Charcoal Should You Throw Away?
Not every type of charcoal is worth saving.
I personally avoid reusing instant-light charcoal or briquettes with lighter fluid added to them. Those products contain chemicals that I do not want sitting around for multiple cooks.
If the charcoal smells strange, feels damp for too long, or crumbles apart easily, I throw it away.
Heavy ash buildup is another sign that it is time to dump it out.
What To Do With Charcoal Ash
Once the usable charcoal is removed, you still have the ashes left behind.
Some charcoal ash can still be useful around the yard if you are using natural lump charcoal or plain charcoal briquettes without additives.
Use It In The Garden
Small amounts of charcoal ash can help raise soil pH in acidic soil.
I have sprinkled light amounts in parts of my garden in between the black berries, and even around the lawn, before. It can also help improve drainage in some soils.
But don’t overdo it.
Too much ash can change the soil balance too much and cause problems for certain plants.
Add It To Compost
You can also add small amounts of charcoal ash or tiny charcoal pieces to a compost pile.
I only add a little at a time. Too much ash can make compost overly alkaline.
Natural lump charcoal works best for this.
Use Leftover Charcoal To Absorb Odors
One thing many people do not realize is that charcoal naturally absorbs moisture and odors.
I have used leftover lump charcoal pieces in a small mesh bag inside my garage and storage bins before. It helps cut down musty smells surprisingly well.
You can also place it near outdoor trash cans or damp storage areas.
When To Throw Everything Away
Eventually, the ash buildup becomes too much, and the leftover charcoal is not worth saving anymore.
When airflow starts getting blocked, or the charcoal basket fills with tiny crumbled pieces, I clean everything out and start fresh.
Keeping too much ash inside the grill can affect airflow and make temperature control harder during your next cook.
FAQ
Where to throw away charcoal after grilling?
Once the charcoal is completely cooked, wrap the charcoal in aluminum foil and throw it in the trash.
Can I spread charcoal ash in my yard?
Depending on your soil, it can be good to use charcoal ashes in moderate amounts on your lawn or vegetable garden.
Do plants like charcoal ashes?
Not all plants benefit from charcoal ashes. Only plants that prefer a higher PH will benefit.
What To Do With Charcoal After Grilling – My Experience
Over the years, I have probably reused many pounds of leftover charcoal between grilling and smoking.
Especially during long smoking sessions on my homemade UDS, there is usually plenty left that still burns perfectly fine. Reusing it has saved me a good amount of money over time.
I also learned the hard way not to leave too much ash sitting in the grill. Bad airflow causes temperature problems fast, especially on charcoal grills and smokers.
For me, the best approach is simple:
- Reuse the larger partially burned charcoal pieces
- Toss the tiny crumbled pieces
- Clean out excess ash regularly
- Only use natural charcoal ash in the garden or compost
It keeps the grill cleaner, saves charcoal, and makes the next cook easier.
Eddie van Aken – The Grilling Dutchman
Eddie van Aken is the founder of The Grilling Dutchman, where he teaches practical, no-nonsense BBQ and outdoor cooking. With years of hands-on experience working with grills, smokers, and live fire, he focuses on techniques that actually work in real backyards.
When he’s not cooking, Eddie tests and reviews outdoor gear and equipment for PracticalBackyard.com. Learn more about Eddie van Aken.