These pots are ideal for putting outside for ash and cigarette ends to collect in. There is a hole in the centre of the ashtray where the ash and ends can go in to collect in the bottom as well as sloped sides to help the ash fall down into the centre and then into the pot. This keeps them tidy and once cool can be thrown away easily with less mess. You can also add sand in the bottom to weight down the pot and also for the embers to cool on.