Advice on how to dispose of fireworks safely

Friday 01 November 2024

Ahead of bonfire night, Guernsey Waste is reminding islanders about the safe disposal of fireworks to avoid putting themselves, waste collection workers and staff at waste and recycling facilities at risk of harm.

Waste Minimisation Officer Douglas Button said that it is not only critical to take safety precautions seriously during displays, but it is also very important to dispose of used and unused fireworks safely.

"If they are not disposed of correctly, fireworks pose a serious risk to staff handling waste and can also cause fires in collection vehicles or at the sites they end up at," he said.

• After a display has finished, the remains of fireworks should be left to cool down for at least 30 minutes, before being soaked in water for at least an hour. That applies whether or not they fully ignited or did not go off. They should then be wrapped in plastic so they do not dry out again and can then be safely placed in your general household waste for disposal, and NEVER in recycling.
• Although sparklers are made of metal these should also be soaked in water and disposed of in general household waste, whether used or unused.
• Do not be tempted to store unused fireworks for another day, as they pose a fire risk. Fully submerge them in water for at least 24 hours, wrap them in plastic so they do not dry out again, and then dispose of in general waste - NEVER in recycling.

Full details of public and private firework events together with sales, health and safety advice can be found at https://gov.gg/fireworks.