<P> An ashtray is a receptacle for ash from cigarettes and cigars . Ashtrays are typically made of fire retardant material such as glass, heat - resistant plastic, pottery, metal, or stone . </P> <P> The most common ashtray design is a shallow cylinder with a flat base, to rest on a table . Other ashtrays, particularly in public places, are wall mounted, and larger than standard tabletop ashtrays due to the increased use they receive . Many ashtrays have notches at the rim, to hold cigarettes and / or a cigar . Frequently ashtrays were equipped in older large or luxury cars before later being available as dealer - installed accessory items . For example, cars such as the BMW E38 featured ashtrays and lighters installed in both rear doors . </P> <P> The word "ashtray" itself did not come into common use until 1926 . The need for public ash receptacles saw a surge in the post-World War II era when cigarettes began to be manufactured en mass with non-biodegradable filters and inexpensive popular cigars sold affixed with disposable plastic tips . </P>

When did they stop putting ash trays in cars