Throw Out the Fireworks Right
It was later that evening, July 4th, and the sparkling fireworks no longer lit the sky. Whatever leftovers you thought you might have next year ended up in the Grand Final. An assortment of larger fireworks, smaller fireworks and sparklers is now scattered around the yard, outside, or wherever you are. Now what?
Don’t be one of those people who set off fireworks and then run away from the scene, leaving their mess to someone else. Take responsibility for your pyrotechnics and dispose of them safely. Here’s how to do it.
Are fireworks harmful to the environment?
Well yes – and in several different ways. According to a 2015 study published in the journal Atmospheric Environment , based on the national average, for a 24-hour period starting at 8:00 pm on July 4, air pollution is 42% greater than on a typical day without fireworks.
Not to mention, leaving used fireworks nearby is also harmful to the environment. Most fireworks contain a mixture of fuel, an oxidizer (to provide the oxygen needed to burn), and compounds that release metal and chlorine that give off color, ”explained Elizabeth Wilson, a California-licensed pyrotechnist, in an article for Chemical & Engineering News. … And even though the fireworks were set off, the remains could still contain some of the original chemicals.
How to Dispose of Fireworks Safely
First, check what local law applies to disposal of fireworks, or visit your city / town / county / state government website if they have posted guidelines. You’ll want to follow them, but for now (or if there are no instructions), here’s what to do for the Recycle Coach :
First, make sure all used or unused fireworks are waterlogged. (This includes confusion if you’ve determined they are safe to handle.) To do this, soak them in a bucket of water for at least 15 minutes. Feel free to leave them on for longer – some recommend leaving them for up to 48 hours, but this is not necessary if they are completely soaked inside and out.
When the fireworks are wet enough, pour the excess water from the soaking bucket down the toilet. Then, put the fireworks in an airtight plastic bag to keep them damp. (If you find it easier to fold them into two bags, do so.) You can then discard the bag.
Where exactly you do this depends on local laws and / or fire department regulations. In many cases, after the fireworks are wet and sealed in bags, you can safely throw them in your regular trash can. However, don’t throw them in the trash can. Recycle Coach explains that although they are mostly paper, fireworks are not recyclable .