How to Make Charcoal Briquettes From Old Newspaper

Buying charcoal briquettes can get pretty expensive during outdoor grilling season. Why buy them, when you can make them. These work just as well as charcoal briquettes. This is a great way to recycle your old newspapers rather than just toss them in the garbage. It's a good money saver too.

Instructions

1. Get a large tub or a small kiddie pool. Separate the sheets of newspaper. Do not use colored glossy paper. Lay the sheets of newspaper staggered in the basin or kiddie pool.

2. Cover with water. Let the newspapers soak for an hour or so. They should be thoroughly wet and mushy.

3. Grab a handful of wet mushy paper and form into golf ball size or even a little bigger. The larger they are, the longer they will take to dry. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible.

4. Lay balled newspaper briquettes out in a single layer in the sun to dry for 3 or 4 days. They have be very dry and crinkle when you touch them.

5. Use them like you would use normal charcoal briquettes. You will probably use at least twice as many newspaper briquettes as you would use charcoal.

Tips & Warnings

• Most newspaper ink is soy based and non-toxic.

• Colored glossy newspaper or advertisements can be toxic