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How to Dispose of Sparklers and Fireworks the Safe Way
Learn how to dispose of sparklers and fireworks in just a few easy steps so you can have fun and stay safe.Byline: BTB Author
June 20, 2025 / Time to read: 5 minWe can all agree, sparklers and fireworks are a real blast. But what do you do when the show is over?
We’ll walk you through how to dispose of sparklers and fireworks so you can enjoy these celebratory pyrotechnics while staying safe — and preventing accidents long after lighting up the night sky.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Tossing spent fireworks and sparklers straight in the trash or recycling bin is a no-no for several reasons. Even after they stop glowing and it looks like the fire is out, sparklers and fireworks can remain hot and smolder for hours. They may also have residual chemicals, such as oxidizers and fuels. When added to other trash — and exposed to heat, friction and pressure — sparklers and fireworks can reignite in your bin, inside a trash truck or at the landfill.
How to Dispose of Fireworks
To
- Cool
Allow spent fireworks to cool down. - Soak
Submerge cooled fireworks in a bucket of water overnight to ensure no heat remains and smoldering embers do not reignite. - Double-Bag
Once soaked, double-bag the fireworks in plastic bags to prevent drying out and potential reignition. - Dispose
Place the soaked, double-bagged fireworks in your trash container.
How to Dispose of Sparklers
To
- Extinguish
Place used sparklers in a bucket of water or sand for at least 30 minutes to ensure they are fully extinguished and completely cool. - Wrap in foil
Once cool, wrap sparklers in aluminum foil and place them in a plastic bag. - Dispose
Place the wrapped sparklers in your trash bin.
Sparkler and Firework Safety Tips
Sharing these sparkler and firework safety tips with your party crew will help keep everyone safe and focused on the fun!
Check Local Regulations
Always follow local laws and guidelines for firework and sparkler use and disposal.
Keep Safety Equipment Nearby
Have a bucket of water, hose and fire extinguisher on hand.
Handle Duds with Care
If a firework fails to ignite,
Avoid Improper Disposal
Never place lit or warm fireworks or sparklers in the trash and don’t put any (warm or completely cool) in the recycling cart.
Store Safely
Keep fireworks and sparklers in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and other flammable materials.
Can You Throw Away Unused Matches?
Yes, you can throw away used and unused matches — but you’ll want to take a few precautions before you do.
Make sure to only throw away used matches after the flame has gone out and matches are cool to the touch. Then, if possible, soak the matches in water before you toss them in the trash.
Because unused matches can light on fire when they strike another surface, they should
Don’t Get Burned: Keep Firework and Sparkler Safety Top of Mind
Still unsure about proper firework and sparkler safety and disposal? You can reach out to your local fire department or waste and recycling facility to see if they can direct you toward any other disposal options in your community.
To learn how to dispose of other specialty items, head over to our
