Can You Use Old Charcoal Briquettes in the Garden? Here's What to Know

A homeowner found a 15-year-old bag of plain charcoal briquettes (no lighter fluid) and wondered if burying them would benefit the soil.

Possible Use

Charcoal can absorb impurities. You could crush it to ¼–½ inch chunks, sift out the dust, and blend the pieces into potting mix for containers. The dust can be broadcast in the garden.

Why It's Usually Not Worth It

The process is messy and time-consuming. If you truly need charcoal in your soil, buy horticultural charcoal—it's clean, sized right, and ready to use.

Recommendation

Toss the old briquettes. Save your effort for amendments with proven benefits.