How can I reuse or recycle … disposable lighters?

Wed 20 Jun 2007

How can I reuse or recycle … disposable lighters?

Lighter So we’ve covered cigarette packets and ashtrays but what about the related flame devices?

I realise the most obvious answer to this - like with disposable razors - is don’t use them - use a refillable one instead. But, for one reason or another, a lot of people can’t/won’t do that so end using disposable ones.

So what can be done with them?

Assuming it can be separated from the metal mechanism, can the plastic be recycled? Anyone know what number it is or does it vary?

And what about the mechanism itself - any reuses for that? Or the lighter as a whole?

(Photo by pulp-o)

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This is a tough one, because while I know some of the individual pieces may be recyclable, there are parts (like the flint) that I’m not sure of. You can actually refill the whole thing and use is again, but it’s difficult and you waste a lot of fuel if you don’t know what you’re doing. I think this is one of those areas where there should be a push on the production companies to reuse the product to ensure it is recycled properly.

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When I was a Scout, we re-used the flints within the mechamism, by gluing several to a small piece of wood and a used a snapped section of hack saw blade to make your own fire lighter.
By striking the blade across the flints, you create enough spark to light kindling.

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