[M.T. Pockets]

I would not use a shop vac unless the fire has been out a week. An old fashioned metal bucket (with a lid) works great. A metal scoop from any fireplace store will work fine to scoop up the ashes.

Ashes are absolutely fantastic fertilizer, if you have a garden you have a place to put them.

Disposal isn't hard, just don't set that bucket anyplace where you don't want a fire to start. Don't set it down anywhere - take it to the garden & spread them out. Watch the wind, an ember can reignite and take off a few feet. I've seen many fires start when people leave the "cold" ashes outside in a bucket too close to a wood strucutre and the structure catches on fire. Those embers can stay hot for days and when they're exposed to a good oxygen supply they'll take off.