I sometimes have gatherings on my porch and needed an ashtray. I had a wide one, but the wind would blow the ashes and butts out of the thing all over my table and floor. This works perfectly to keep the used stuff neatly inside the container. Mine did arrive with the two top pieces unattached (not sure if they were supposed to be that way or not) but they were simple to slip in the slots. Very happy with the item, keeps things convenient for guests, yet NEAT for everyone else.