Is it safe to recycle disposable lighters such as BIC?

Is it safe to recycle disposable lighters such as BIC? What happens to the trace amount of fuels left behind?

Disposable lighters like BIC comprise a flammable liquid that is hazardous when thrown away in the ordinary trash. Even if there is a little lighter fluid or butane gas left in the device, it can ignite in the proper conditions. There are a few ways that you can dispose of the lighter, depending on if its chamber carries gasoline.

How does a disposable lighter like BIC work?

Disposable lighters work by releasing liquid butane, saved in a pressurized chamber, in small steam of gas. A spark, made through hanging flint with steel or by compressing piezoelectric crystal, ignites the gas.

Are BIC lighters refillable?

Most BIC lighters are disposable, i.e. as soon as they are empty; you throw them away and buy another. It is possible to refill them with a little hacking and endurance though no one recommends it. A little research will provide you with a piece of information if you really want to do this.

Empty the Lighter Fluid before disposing of the Lighter

The safest way to dispose of a disposable or a prolonged attain lighter is through getting rid of all the fluid inside its chamber. Read the manufacturer's label to see if it mentions disposal guidelines if you want to throw the item away with fluid still inside of it. If you throw the lighter away in your regular trash, you may need to use up all the fluid inside of it first. We do not encourage opening the lighter and flushing the gasoline down the drain as it is unsafe to septic structures and the environment.

Disposing of a Fluid-Filled Lighter

If you want to get rid of a lighter like BIC that has gasoline inside of it, you may need to contact your city's hazardous waste department for directions on how to do it. You can drop it off at the collection site, or your town or city may also have a community hazardous waste collection day sponsored either by a nearby government organization or a private organization. Drop the lighter off at the designated place on the targeted day, and they will professionally dispose of or recycle.

Final Thoughts

For lighters, opt for reusable alternatively of disposable. It is fair to assume that lighters need to be recyclable. However, manufacturers hardly ever identify various materials used in lighters making proper recycling nearly impossible.