How To Properly Dispose Of Fireworks

Fourth of July just around the corner, as you load up for your backyard firework show, you need to be prepared on how to properly dispose of fireworks. Throwing away leftover debris, duds, or even unused fireworks can be a huge fire hazard.

Each year, more than 16,000 fires are started by fireworks. You don’t want to just go ahead and toss them into your household waste bins or trash cans. We’ve put together this guide covering everything you need to know about how to dispose of fireworks:

Hazards of Unused Fireworks

Fireworks were made to explode. Consequentially, they are an incredibly dangerous item to own and operate.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 15,600 were hospitalized with firework-related injuries in 2021. Furthermore, the National Safety Council reported that fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year.

You should always store any unused fireworks in a cool, dry place. A garage is probably your best bet. Also, make sure keep any unused fireworks far away from electrical appliances. Appliances can become damaged in extreme weather, as a result it can cause the ignition of the fireworks, which would be dangerous.

Additionally, make sure to clean up any loose powder, as it could spark if ignited by friction, creating a fire risk.

If you have unused, misfired or “dud” fireworks, following these safe disposal steps will help ensure the protection of you, your family and waste haulers and facilities.

How to Safely Dispose of Fireworks

Spent fireworks and "duds" remain hot after use. If you don't handle them carefully, they can spark fires and cause serious injury. Always keep water on hand, and be prepared to extinguish any fires that start. Soak fireworks in water after use. Then, wrap them in plastic and bring them to a local solid waste center. Be smart and be safe!

1.   Soak the Fireworks (Completely)

The first step is to completely submerge fireworks in a bucket of water for at least 15 minutes. They need to soak until they are fully saturated, which can take anywhere from 15 minutes (for small fireworks) to overnight (for large fireworks). In this case, longer is always going to be better.

2.   Wrap them Up

The next step is to double wrap your soaked fireworks in either plastic wrap or two plastic bags. The key here is making sure your fireworks don’t dry out, as they need to remain saturated to safely dispose of them. The bags will ensure that they maintain moisture.

3.   Disposal

Once you have double wrapped your completely soaked fireworks in plastic, they are safe to dispose of. Since fireworks are not considered hazardous waste, you can place them in your household trash or take them to a landfill.

You could also dispose of them in a roll off dumpster rental, alongside any other household waste or unwanted junk that you’re looking to get rid of. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, visit our website to explore our variety of dumpster rental options.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to contact your local fire department or solid waste facility. Some jurisdictions offer other disposal options, and it could be beneficial to know what is available in your community.

Final Thoughts on Safely Disposing of Fireworks

You should never throw unsoaked fireworks into your household garbage. As you have probably guessed, they pose a severe fire hazard to both your property and your safety.

Additionally, fireworks are typically made from harsh chemicals, metals, and fuel, which can leak into the groundwater if they are improperly disposed of. This would pose serious threats to both the environment and human health.

Therefore, it is critical that you follow the steps above and exercise caution when disposing of any unused or misfired fireworks.

Need a Dumpster Rental for Firework Disposal?

If you need a place to toss your fireworks (once they have been properly soaked and wrapped, of course), consider renting a dumpster. Not only would a roll off dumpster rental eliminate the stress of having to transport unused fireworks yourself, but it is a great way to dispose of any additional household waste or unwanted junk.

Visit our website or contact our team to learn more about our available dumpster sizes. Our expert staff would be more than happy to help.

Call Xpress Dumpster Rentals Today:

(703) 594-7656

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