Summer is a time for celebration, which often means fireworks. But once the celebrations are over and the smoke has cleared, fireworks can be a mess to clean up. Fireworks, when incorrectly disposed of, can also be dangerous to you, waste haulers, and the environment.
Likewise, flares are an essential safety tool for road emergencies, maritime navigation, and various outdoor activities. However, like many safety items, flares have an expiration date because over time the chemical compounds within them degrade, reducing their effectiveness and reliability.
In many areas, local fire and police departments can assist with the disposal of old flares and unused fireworks. They have the expertise and facilities to handle potentially dangerous materials safely. In summertime, some communities even host takeback events for these unused materials so be sure to check in your area.
If local fire or police do not collect, you can follow these steps as an alternate means of disposal:
- Make sure your pyrotechnics are waterlogged.
- To do this, submerge and soak them in a bucket of water. If items contain easily removeable plastic caps, remove them to allow for easier saturation.
- Soak for a minimum of 24 hours.
- Once you’ve gotten the fireworks or flares waterlogged, place them into a garbage bag and dispose of them in your regular garbage can.
- Do NOTput them in your recycling bin. Even though they’re mostly paper, flares and fireworks are not recyclable items!
Please note, that even though fireworks can be purchased in neighboring states, according to Illinois law, most consumer fireworks are illegal. SWANCC supports Illinois law. The above information is to help guide you for proper management of materials you may encounter within and outside of Illinois.