The laws governing the use of fireworks vary in New England, from Massachusetts’ total ban to the partial ban of aerial fireworks in other states or no bans at all. Regardless of where you’re spending your Independence Day or other celebrations if you find yourself with excess fireworks (including misfires and duds) or other explosives, it’s important to know about your firework disposal options so you can ensure your home and family stay safe all year round without these hazards at home.
How to Properly Dispose of Fireworks
Fireworks can be disposed of in the trash, but only after being rendered completely safe. As described on the Hazardous Household Products page of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP):
Fireworks (unused, misfired, or dud)
- Soak: Completely submerge fireworks in a large bucket of water and soak until thoroughly saturated. This may take 15 minutes for small fireworks or as long as overnight for larger ones.
- Wrap: Double wrap the completely soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or two plastic bags so they do not dry out.
- Dispose: Place the double-bagged fireworks in the household trash or take them to your local solid waste facility.
You can contact your local fire department or solid waste facility, as other disposal options may be available in your community.
The Hazards of Explosives at Home
Fireworks are only one example of explosives that can pose a risk when stored at home, especially over long periods of time or when improperly stored. Others include:
- Ammunition
- Explosive chemicals and compounds
- Shock sensitive materials
- Flares
Managing the products you have stored away, including fireworks and accelerants like solvents or gasoline, not only prevents fires but also avoids issues with putting out and cleaning up after them.
When to Call the Specialists
If you’re unsure about the materials you have at home, give NEDT a call or use MassDEP’s online Hazardous Household Product Search first. While fireworks can be disposed of at home or through your local fire department or other program, for the other explosives above, contact your municipal police department through their administrative phone number (not 911) for your best disposal options. For more information on how to deal with other dangerous hazardous waste, see our blog, Unsafe Hazardous Waste: When You Need to Call in Specialists.
If some of the hazardous waste you want to bring to one of NEDT’s collection centers are explosives or other hazardous waste we don’t accept, learn about your options with our Fact Sheets as well as the MassDEP website. Interested in disposing of other hazardous waste? Plan your trip to NEDT’s Household Hazardous Products Collection Centers, contact us today, and read more about our home pick-up service for Massachusetts.
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