How do you open a stuck closed ashtray on 2009 Santa Fe?

Answer 1

If your ashtray is stuck closed use a thin flexible putty/spackling knife with tape on the edge to prevent scratching and slide it into the one side of the ashtray and gently pry it open. You may have to try each side before it opens.

I tried banging it pushing on it and banging on the console around it and nothing worked until I use the putty knife. It will probably still stick after you open it but at least you can get what you need out of the ashtray.