Used fireworks cannot be recycled.
Once they are completely cool and have been safely soaked in water, they can be:
Once your display has finished, here’s how to handle your fireworks safely:
Let them cool: Fireworks can stay hot for about 30 minutes after they’ve gone off. Give them plenty of time to cool down completely.
Wear gloves: When you’re handling the leftover bits, pop on some strong gloves. They’ll protect your hands from any chemical residue.
Soak them: Carefully gather all your used fireworks and dunk them entirely into a bucket of water. Leave them to soak overnight. This is a crucial step that makes sure any hidden embers are totally extinguished and safe.
Bag them: After their good soak, wrap the wet fireworks in a plastic bag or seal them in one. This keeps them damp and stops them from drying out and potentially becoming a fire hazard again.
If you have any fireworks that didn’t go off, or are old and unused, it’s best to handle these with extra care. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service runs special fireworks amnesty schemes where they can safely collect and dispose of these. It’s always a good idea to check their website (link opens in a new tab) for the latest information on such schemes.
For more information on how to keep safe before, during and after your fireworks display, visit the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service website. (link opens in a new tab)
