How to Dispose of Spent Fireworks and the Duds

Updated July 2, 2023

Consumer fireworks are classified as 1.4G explosives and should be disposed of properly to ensure the safety of all those that may come into contact of them. This is true for both spent and dud fireworks.

We'll go over how to safely get rid of and dispose of spent and dud fireworks, and how to find professional services if you'd rather not assume responsibility.

It’s important to allow a cooling period for spent fireworks, as well as leaving dud fireworks alone for at least 30 minutes after lighting. The following morning is a great time to begin the cleanup.

5 Steps to Proper Disposal of Consumer Fireworks

Submerge the duds and exploded fireworks into water using buckets or another vessel that allows the fireworks to become completely saturated.
Let fireworks sit in the water for a minimum of 30 minutes. (12+ hours is ideal)
Remove the completely saturated fireworks and place them in a garbage bag. Tie it tightly.
Bag the fireworks and garbage bag again, tying the second bag tightly. This will help keep the fireworks from drying out and potentially becoming active.
Place the double-bagged fireworks refuse into the trash or bring to a local landfill. There is no need for special waste disposal for small amounts of consumer fireworks.

This guide is for consumer fireworks classified as 1.4G explosives, but disposing of commercial 1.3G explosives (display fireworks) may vary.

The disposal rules and regulations are different across different states and municipalities, so be sure to check your city government website for local laws.

Avoid tossing spent fireworks into local bodies of water or burning them. Both options are harmful to the environment and potentially dangerous to humans and wildlife.

Disposing of a large of amount of fireworks may require different steps. Check with your waste hauler if you have more than a few garbage bags full of spent fireworks to dispose of.

If you're ever nervous or unsure about how to dispose of fireworks safely, it might be in your best interest to hire a junk removal company to handle the disposal for you. Junk removal companies can responsibly collect and dispose of your spent or dud fireworks, making cleanup a breeze.

Hometown makes it easy to find local junk removal services near you. We make hiring a junk removal company easy and affordable by connecting consumers with licensed and insured junk removal companies that service their area.

Our site is easy to navigate and only takes seconds to show you personalized search results. By simply entering your zip and answering a few short questions about your junk removal needs, you'll be shown qualified junk removal providers near you.