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Find out about recycling in West Sussex

Fireworks

How to dispose of fireworks.

An old box of fireworks.

Fireworks must not be disposed of in your general waste at home and you cannot take them to recycling centres.

  • What you must do

    • As the holder of a firework, you have a duty of care to ensure its safe disposal.
    • Never try to dispose of a firework on a fire.
    • Follow advice from the Chief Fire Officer’s Association: ‘The safest way of dealing with a firework that is complete and undamaged is to function it in accordance with the instructions provided.’
    • Out-of-date or damaged fireworks can be extremely dangerous. Submerge the firework in a bucket of water for at least 48 hours. You don’t want it to dry out as it might become more dangerous.
  • You could also...

    • try contacting the place you bought the fireworks from - they may operate a 'take back' scheme.
    • contact the manufacturer for advice about safe disposal - their details should be on the box.
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