Why Recycle Wood Ash
Maple syrup lovers take note: Ash from wood stoves and fireplaces can help solve the calcium decline problem in Muskoka’s forests and lakes.
This problem, called “ecological osteoporosis,” causes calcium loss in soils and lakes, damaging plants and animals. By recycling wood ash, you make a real difference by:
This problem, called “ecological osteoporosis,” causes calcium loss in soils and lakes, damaging plants and animals. By recycling wood ash, you make a real difference by:
- Alleviating calcium decline
- Reducing waste to landfill
- Mitigating climate change
- Increasing forest production
Lab studies indicate that Muskoka ash is 25-30% calcium and has appreciable amounts of other key plant nutrients including potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Wood ash neutralizes the acidity of Muskoka soils damaged by decades of acid rain. Research suggests that ash application to the soil increases tree vitality and growth, making trees more storm-resistant and potentially more able to capture carbon! Healthier trees can also pump more water, with a positive impact on flood mitigation.
ASHMUSKOKA ASH DRIVE DATES 2026:
- Saturday April 18
- Saturday Oct. 17
- Saturday Nov. 21
From 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1062 Rosewarne Drive, Bracebridge Transfer Station
SAVE YOUR ASH
Muskoka needs it to put vital calcium back into our soils. Adding calcium will improve forest growth, maple syrup yields, and improve aquatic life and diversity in our lakes and rivers.
Here's why we need to act now
Trees, especially calcium-rich maple, are no longer thriving and calcium-dependent aquatic life is disappearing.
On average, wood ash is 29% calcium by weight. It also contains many other valuable soil and plant nutrients.
Waking up the forest by restoring the missing calcium will benefit the entire watershed, including our lakes and rivers.
Thin soils, acid rain and other factors have left Muskoka's forests, lakes, rivers and streams calcium deficient.
Trees, especially calcium-rich maple, are no longer thriving and calcium-dependent aquatic life is disappearing.
On average, wood ash is 29% calcium by weight. It also contains many other valuable soil and plant nutrients.
Waking up the forest by restoring the missing calcium will benefit the entire watershed, including our lakes and rivers.
Did you know?
Without our help, it will take decades for the calcium to return. Forests and lakes will continue to decline; algal blooms will likely increase.
For ASHMuskoka
Is a Community Environmental Program run by Friends of the Muskoka Watershed.
Here are a few things you need to know before saving your ash for ASHMuskoka:
Do:
✓ save the ash from either your fireplace or wood stove
✓ allow your wood ash to cool completely for several days before adding it to your recycling container. Hot ash is a real fire risk to homes, property, forests and the landfill
✓ remove any nails and screws from the wood before you burn it. If not possible, rake the nails and screws from the ashes
✓ keep your ash dry. Water can leach out important nutrients
Don't:
Here are a few things you need to know before saving your ash for ASHMuskoka:
Do:
✓ save the ash from either your fireplace or wood stove
✓ allow your wood ash to cool completely for several days before adding it to your recycling container. Hot ash is a real fire risk to homes, property, forests and the landfill
✓ remove any nails and screws from the wood before you burn it. If not possible, rake the nails and screws from the ashes
✓ keep your ash dry. Water can leach out important nutrients
Don't:
X burn metallic foil
X burn pressure-treated wood
X burn wood that contains nails, staples, or any other metals
X burn wood that may contain chemical preservatives and/or insecticides
X burn plastic products in your fireplace
X burn glued, painted or stained wood
For Yourself
You can help
Solving the calcium decline problem in our watersheds benefits our sugar maple bushes and our watersheds - their soils, trees and waters.
Use ash around your property, or drop it off at an ASHMuskoka collection location or arrange for pick-up.
Save your ash in one or more of ASHMuskoka’s free containers or use your own.
Solving the calcium decline problem in our watersheds benefits our sugar maple bushes and our watersheds - their soils, trees and waters.
Use ash around your property, or drop it off at an ASHMuskoka collection location or arrange for pick-up.
Save your ash in one or more of ASHMuskoka’s free containers or use your own.
Some tips for using ash around your property:
Do:
✓ use cold wood ash in your gardens, on driveways, and in your homes
✓ sprinkle cold wood ash around trees on your property, especially sugar maples
Don't:
Do:
✓ use cold wood ash in your gardens, on driveways, and in your homes
✓ sprinkle cold wood ash around trees on your property, especially sugar maples
Don't:
X recycle your wood ash before it is completely cold
X dump wood ash in any waterbody on or near your property
X dispose of your wood ash in one big pile. Spread it out!