A Safety Guide to Fireworks Disposal

No matter how many times you see fireworks, they never stop to inspire awe and wonder as they light up the sky.

Whether you’re setting off fireworks for a small group of friends and family, or a larger crowd, following proper safety procedures will make sure you remember the occasion for all the right reasons!

You don’t just need to think about safety during the display but you also need to have a plan in place for afterwards. Remember that fireworks are essentially explosives – although they are controlled ones – and they need to be treated as such. Despite the beauty they can create, they are made from a potentially deadly mixture of chemicals!

A Step-By-Step Guide to Fireworks Disposal

If you have fireworks you didn’t use, then you need to take them back to the shop you bought them from, or consult the manufacturer. Don’t be tempted to store them at home for another day!

• Once your display is over, let the fireworks cool down for at least 15 minutes then clear the area. Go back to the site in daylight the next day to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
• No matter whether your fireworks were duds, which didn’t go off, or whether they misfired, were partially spent or completely spent, you need to start by soaking them in a bucket of water for at least 24 hours, up to 4 days. Don’t drench them in a natural water source like a river because they’ll pollute the water and harm wildlife.
• Double wrap them in a plastic bag or bin liner.
• You can then place the spent fireworks in your normal bin. For the rest, contact the manufacturer for advice on how to dispose of them.

Preparing for a Safe Firework Display

We hope you have a great firework display, so we thought we’d highlight some top safety tips for you:

• Make sure the fireworks you buy are safe by checking they have the British Standard BS 7114: 1988 and that they’re the right category for your display.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Don’t rush.
• If you’re running a firework display for a crowd of people, consult a specialist pyrotechnic.
• Make sure you set off your fireworks in a safe area, where they can’t easily start a fire and set a place to stand that’s a safe distance away.Have first aiders to hand.
• Ensure you can easily communicate with people if you need to make a safety announcement to a large group.
• Make sure you’re legally compliant.
• Consult your local authority if you are unsure about anything.
• Keep some water nearby, in case you need to extinguish a fire. A hose pipe is a good option, if you can set one up nearby.

Make sure you have a fun and safe bonfire night, by following this guide to fireworks disposal. Alternatively, if you have any questions about general waste, then take a look at our waste management & recycling services.