How do I safely dispose of fireworks?

We’re at that time of year now where fireworks begin to pop up in the sky. In the weeks and days surrounding Bonfire Night, and again at New Years Eve, a great many people in the UK come together to celebrate with their own fireworks displays. However, if you’re new to the experience then you might not know how best to dispose of your fireworks.

Safe practices

First of all, it’s important to remember that as amazing and wonderous as fireworks can be, they are very dangerous in the wrong hands. Make sure that you follow the manufacturers instructions to the letter and that only people over the age of 18 are allowed to handle them.

You also need to check that the fireworks you have purchased are safe to use – look out for British Standard BS 7114: 1988 certification.

Disposing of fireworks – do’s and don’ts

Don’t rush in and start clearing up before allowing time for any delayed fireworks to explode

Don’t rush in and start clearing away parts before you’ve given them time to cool down

Do wear protective gloves to avoid irritating chemicals on your skin

Don’t put the parts straight in the bin

Do soak fireworks, debris and components in water for 1-3 days before disposing of them

Don’t pour said water into local water sources or rivers

Do wrap your fireworks up in a refuse bag and dispose of in the bin after soaking

What the law says:

Regulation 28 Explosives Regulation 2014 (ER14) requires - Any person who discards or disposes of explosives or explosive-contaminated items must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that they are discarded, or disposed of safely.

Any person who decontaminates explosive-contaminated items must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that they are decontaminated safely.

And, by Order of Secretary of State 11 (3) made under the provisions of the Explosives Act 1875 requires persons not to deposit explosives in receptacles or places appropriated for refuse and states that explosives shall not be handed or forwarded to persons or vehicles employed or appropriated for the removal or conveyance of refuse.

Click here to read The Explosives Regulations in full: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1638/contents/made.

Finally, one last additional thing to remember is that while bonfires are typically allowed (and encouraged) around bonfire night you need to be careful over what you burn. Burning toxic items such as plastics or contaminated (treated) woods can be harmful to both your health and the environment.

Here at LSPS, recycling is of great importance to us and we help businesses and individuals all across Leicestershire to reduce the amount of their waste that ends up at landfill sites. Our Waste Transfer Station is open to traders and has an extensive range of state-of-the-art equipment.

To find out how about we can help with your waste disposal needs please contact us on 0800 083 7807 or visit our website for further information.