Safe firework and sparkler disposal

Abi Reid baking away,  reducing food waste across South Yorkshire
Abi Reid
1 Nov 2024

Sparklers, ashes, and spent, un-used and mis-fired fireworks can all cause fires in gardens, bins, collection vehicles and at treatment plants if they aren’t disposed of properly.

 

Follow our simple disposal guide to help you and your community to have a safe bonfire night this year.

A single sparkler burning in front of a blurred background of lights on a dark night

Fireworks, sparklers and bonfires can all pose a risk to people and property both at home and during collection and disposal if they aren't handled properly.

 

Fireworks

Spent, mis-fired and even unused fireworks should be handled carefully and must be totally cold before disposal, this can take much longer than you might think. 

 

Spent fireworks should be left to cool overnight or thoroughly soaked in water to cool before being put in your general waste bin.

 

Mis-fired or unused fireworks should be fully submerged in water for 48 hours before being put in a bin bag and into general waste bins.   

 

Sparklers

Sparklers reach incredibly high temperatures when in use, once used they should be submerged in a bucket of water to allow them to go out and cool before being put in the general waste bin.

 

Bonfires and ashes

Bonfires can spread easily and should be well doused with water to ensure they are out before being left.  After your bonfire, ashes should be fully cold before being placed in the bin to prevent re-ignition and fires in bins, collection vehicles and waste facilities.

 

Torches, lights and electric lanterns

If you have swapped out the sparklers for handheld electric torches, lanterns or lights please don't put these in the bin.  Batteries should be removed and recycled, most places that sell batteries have boxes for recycling.  If the battery is built in the whole thing should be recycled as an electronic item through the Household Waste Recycling Centre.

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