You can make them into candles: take a bit of cotton string - for the wick (can buy them in diy stores, or where they sell packaging), tie something non-burning to one end (to keep the wick in place). Melt some wax in a pan(leftovers from burnt candles work well, and some pubs and bars throw them away too), dip the wick in the liquid wax so it is saturated with it, not just covered in wax, then place the side of the wick with the weight on the bottom of the ashtray.
Hold it with one hand and pour the hot wax in it with another.
When it solidifies a little bit you can let go off the wick and cut it to desired length (but before that - keep the wick quite long to avoid burning yourself).
Depending on the size of the ashtray and the thickness of the cotton string you can make several wicks in one ashtray/candle.

I live in Phoenix, Arizona and we passed a law last year that banned smoking in all public places, inside and out. Needless to say there were a lot of extra ashtrays around. Now, most of these were stolen by staff, tossed, or just taken to the recycling center. (Most ashtrays are glass or plastic, so no biggie.) I have seen a couple people use them for candles, as Katz mentioned. But I’ve also seen them used for candle holders, planters for herb gardens, and one friend of mine even smashed several of different colors to use for a collage.

i keep my keys in an old milk glass ashtray, love it. they would be great all in a row in a desk drawer to hold paper clips or other little doohickeys.

I use them as mini paint palletes. They are easy to clean up and you can rest your paintbrush in the side slits.

I could see them used as catfood dishes too if properly cleaned?

Thanks for all your suggestions - I actually really like the candle idea. Possible selling option there to rasie money for charity.

M
x

Hi Margaret,

I am the Community Fundraising Manager for The Royal National Institute for Blind People.

As you may bE aware smoking damages your eye sight and can cause disease in the eyes which can lead to blindness.

I am trying to think of a way to raise money for RNIB using the thousands of unwanted ash trays. Any thoughts of how you you help or ideas please let me know.

Thank you

Jackie CAmeron
01603 262427

use them for holding beads…

incense burner or to hold a tea light candle safely.