State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy reminds residents that used fireworks can leave behind a great deal of debris. “If you blow it up, clean it up,” said Duffy. Proper cleanup of firework debris can help reduce the risk of an injury or fire from happening. If you have unused consumer fireworks, it is best to discharge the remaining fireworks during the legal discharge dates for your community.

The following are suggested tips for proper disposal:

Used Fireworks:

1. Clean up all fireworks debris.
2. Submerge used fireworks in a bucket of water for fifteen minutes to ensure they are cooled down and there are no smoldering embers that can start a fire.
3. Double wrap the soaked fireworks in plastic bags for disposal in your household trash.
4. It is best to dump the remaining water on the ground, selecting an area where it will not produce surface runoff into the municipal water system.
5. Do not put used fireworks that have not been soaked into a paper or plastic bag, as this could lead to a fire starting within the bag.
6. Return to your fireworks discharge area the next morning to clean up any remaining firework debris—things can be easily overlooked in the dark.

Unused Fireworks:

1. Outside of the legal discharge dates, contact your local law enforcement agency on a non-emergency number to see if they collect unused fireworks for disposal.
2. Check with a Public Display Company to see if they can use the fireworks in a display show. To find a list of Public Display Companies go to http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.
3. If you find a homemade device or illegal explosive device, call 911 for instructions. Do not handle or move the device.

For more information about fireworks safety, public fireworks displays and the fireworks laws for your area, check the Celebrate Safely website at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.