How to dispose of lighter fluid is a household hazardous waste question. Charcoal lighter fluid, lighter refill fluid, and butane refill canisters are all flammable. The safest disposal is to use them up for their intended purpose. Leftover fluid you do not want, old or leaking containers, and partly full butane canisters should go to a household hazardous waste drop-off. Never pour lighter fluid down a drain, onto the ground, or into the trash, and never puncture or burn a pressurized butane can.
Types of lighter fluid
| Product | Main hazard | Disposal |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal lighter fluid | Flammable liquid | Use up or household hazardous waste |
| Lighter fluid for wick lighters | Flammable liquid (naphtha) | Use up or household hazardous waste |
| Butane refill canisters | Flammable, pressurized | Use up or household hazardous waste |
| Disposable lighters | Small amount of butane | Use up; empty ones to trash where allowed |
Using it up safely
Charcoal lighter fluid can be used as directed on charcoal before lighting. Do not add it to burning or hot coals. If you no longer grill with charcoal, hand an unopened or mostly full bottle to someone who does.
Household hazardous waste
Take leftover bottles and canisters in their original containers, tightly capped. Put leaking containers in a sealed plastic tub. Many drop-offs also accept fuel and solvents together. See what counts as household hazardous waste and leftover solvent and paint thinner.
Empty containers
Plastic charcoal fluid bottles that are completely empty and dry may be accepted in trash. Do not rinse them into a sink. Butane canisters may hold pressure even when they seem empty, so many areas ask that they go to hazardous waste regardless. See how to dispose of aerosol cans.
Disposable lighters
Use disposable lighters until no flame comes out. Empty lighters are often accepted in the trash, but some areas prefer hazardous waste. Never put lighters in recycling, because they can spark fires in sorting equipment and trucks.
Never do this
- Pour fluid down sinks, toilets, or storm drains.
- Pour it on the ground or burn it off in an open fire.
- Puncture, crush, or incinerate butane cans.
- Store containers in a hot car or near heat sources.
Storage
Keep containers upright, sealed, away from children and heat, and in a ventilated area like a detached shed or garage cabinet.
Spills
Soak up spills with cat litter or absorbent pads, let the material air out outdoors away from ignition sources, then bag it. Ask your hazardous waste site about soaked absorbent. Gas and other fuels follow similar rules; see leftover gasoline at home.
How to dispose of lighter fluid FAQ
Can I pour lighter fluid down the drain?
No. It is flammable and should go to household hazardous waste.
How do I dispose of butane canisters?
Use them up, then take partly full or uncertain cans to household hazardous waste.
Can disposable lighters go in recycling?
No. They can cause fires in recycling trucks and facilities.
Can I throw away an empty lighter fluid bottle?
Often, if completely empty and dry. Check local rules.
Is charcoal lighter fluid hazardous waste?
Leftover fluid is accepted as household hazardous waste in most programs.
The bottom line
How to dispose of lighter fluid: use it up as directed, give away unopened bottles, and take leftover fluid and partly full butane canisters to household hazardous waste. Never pour it out, puncture cans, or put lighters in recycling. Use the map to find a household hazardous waste drop-off near you.
Guides and tools
Household hazardous waste guide · Dump cost calculator · All material guides