Dealing with Smoking at Family Gatherings

When I am hosting a large party or family reunion, I have no problem banishing the smokers from smoking in my house or garage. However, I am not keen on picking up cigarette butts from the yard or even out of a container I have provided outside.

Now, I fill a smaller metal coffee can (with a plastic snap-on lid) half full with sand, then put that can and lid inside a larger empty metal coffee can with the same type of lid. My guests are informed that the smaller can is where all cigarette butts and matches go, and please use both cans as provided without separating.

The lids eliminate air needed by the smoldering butts to burn so I am comfortable that the risk of fire is kept to a minimum. When the gathering is over, I simply toss both cans without ever opening either of them, and am not bothered by the mess of the ashes, the butts or the smell.

By Ronsan from southwest MO