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Helpful Tips for More Eco-Friendly Grilling This Summer
Check out our tips for eco-friendly grilling so you can reduce waste and take less of a toll on the environment this summer.Byline: BTB Author
June 19, 2025 / Time to read: 1-2 minutesOutdoor cooking can be quick and convenient, but it can also be pretty wasteful — especially in the case of large gatherings. From disposable dishware to the grilling itself, taking mealtime outside can take a toll on the environment, but a few simple changes can make a big difference.
Whether you’re looking to host a more sustainable party or outdoor family dinners, we’ve rounded up a few helpful eco-friendly grilling tips.
Make it Easy to Recycle
Sustainable grilling isn’t just about the grilling itself — it’s about the cleanup, too. If you’re grilling a family dinner, make sure to bring your waste inside and properly sort your recyclables and trash.
For outdoor parties, it’s a great idea to set up a recycling station within reach. You can make recycling even easier for guests by printing a helpful sign that shows what goes where. While dirty paper plates and plastic utensils need to be thrown away, many grilling essentials, including aluminum beer and soda cans and clean ketchup bottles, can be reused or recycled.
Not sure what to recycle and how to do it? Check out our
Minimize Food Waste
As you prep food for a backyard barbecue, you’ll likely be left with scraps like herb stems, pepper cores, onion skins, fruit pits and more. Rather than toss these items in the trash, you can add them to an
Use Reusable Dishware
Whenever possible, ditch the paper plates and plastic utensils. When you opt for real dishes, cups, utensils and serving plates, you’ll not only elevate the presentation of your food, but you’ll also keep single-serve paper and plastic out of the landfill.
One word of caution if you use a charcoal grill: Check with your local waste recycling service to see how to properly dispose of charcoal. Some facilities accept it in special yard waste or ash disposal areas. Tossing embers — especially hot ones — in your trash can start a fire and contaminate water or soil.
Jump Into Summer with Sustainable Grilling Habits
With these simple tips, you can enjoy summer grilling while minimizing your environmental impact. As with all sustainability endeavors, small adjustments can make a big difference — and you don’t have to take an all-or-nothing approach. To learn more about organics recycling at Republic Services,
