How to Dispose of Flameless Ration Heaters After Use

What’s Inside an On Track Meals Flameless Heater Bag?

Our On Track Meals Flameless Heater Bags contain a custom blend of heating elements that react with water to generate safe, fast heat. These elements include:

Aluminium powder
Calcium carbonate
Sodium carbonate
Calcium oxide

When water is added, these ingredients create an exothermic reaction, producing enough heat to warm your MRE meal in minutes.

Because of the chemical reaction involved, it’s essential to handle and dispose of the heater properly.

How to Dispose of MRE Heaters Safely

Here’s what to do once your meal is heated:

1. Let the Heater Cool Completely

After activation, allow the heater to cool down fully before handling. This typically takes 20–30 minutes after use.

2. Keep it Dry

Once the heater has been used, do not expose it to water again. While the reaction won’t restart at full strength, it's best to keep the spent heater dry and avoid any chance of reactivation.

3. Do Not Puncture, Tamper, or Burn

Our heater bags are designed to be single-use and fully sealed. Do not puncture, cut, or tamper with the heater after use.
Also, never dispose of FRHs in a fire or incinerator, as residual chemical compounds may react dangerously.

4. Dispose of in Regular Household Waste

Once the heater is cool and dry, it can be safely wrapped and disposed of in your normal household or general waste.
Although they’re not recyclable or compostable, they’re stable and non-hazardous after use.

Disposing of MREs Responsibly

Along with the heater, all packaging from your On Track MRE meal should be packed out and binned with general rubbish. Used pouches, heater sleeves, and outer packaging aren’t biodegradable and should not be buried or left behind in nature.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to dispose of MRE heaters properly helps keep the outdoors clean and safe. While FRHs offer a quick and efficient way to heat food in any condition, they do require thoughtful disposal.

Remember:

Let them cool completely
Don’t tamper with or burn them
Dispose of them in household rubbish only

By following these simple steps, you’re doing your part to protect the environment while still enjoying all the comfort and convenience of a hot On Track Meal wherever your adventures take you.

FAQ

Q. Are flameless ration heaters recyclable?

A. No. Due to the chemical contents and their reaction with water, FRHs are not recyclable and should be disposed of in regular household rubbish.

Q. Can I burn or incinerate a used heater?

A. No. Flameless heaters should never be disposed of in fire or incinerators, as residual chemicals may cause dangerous reactions.

Q. Are used flameless heaters hazardous?

A. Once fully spent and cooled, On Track’s FRHs are stable and non-hazardous. However, they should still be handled with care and disposed of properly.