It’s soon to be Bonfire Night and if you’re doing your own firework display at home, you’ll need to know some key rules and how to get rid of them when the night is over.
Fireworks make for a great night outside with loved ones but they come with their dangers too.
If you’re thinking of buying some fireworks this year, you’ll need to make sure you’re the right age to legally get your hands on them.
How old do you need to be to buy fireworks in the UK?
To buy ‘adult’ fireworks in the UK, you need to be at least 18 years old, the Government website explains.
It adds: “Adult fireworks are category 2 and 3 fireworks - they do not include things like party poppers.”
Only professionals can use category four fireworks.
No one can set off or throw fireworks, including sparklers, in the street or any other public places.
What happens if you use or sell fireworks illegally?
You could get an unlimited fine if you use or sell fireworks illegally and you face up to six months in prison. You might also be fined £90 on the spot.
How to safely dispose of fireworks
Kingdom LAS, which supports local authorities in tackling anti-social behaviour and environmental crime, has shared essential tips on how to safely dispose of both used and unused fireworks.
“Fireworks, if not handled correctly, can pose serious fire risks and cause environmental harm,” says John Roberts, Chief Services Officer at Kingdom LAS.
He adds: “A lot of people aren’t aware that the debris left behind can easily start fires, and that fireworks often contain materials that shouldn’t end up polluting our waterways or in recycling centres.”
To safely dispose of a firework, you should follow these steps, according to Kingdom LAS:
- Soak the firework - place it in a bucket of water for a specified period to render it inactive.
- Weigh it down - ensure it stays submerged.
- Bag it up - once soaked, place the firework in a secure bag before disposing of it with your general household waste.
John adds: “It’s crucial that fireworks are not thrown into recycling bins. If you’re unable to dispose of them in your regular household waste, contact your local disposal centre to see if they can take them.”
He also warns against dumping fireworks in public places. “Leaving fireworks on streets or in fields is considered fly-tipping and can result in fines or prosecution under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
“This law is there to protect human health, animals, and vulnerable individuals who could be harmed by the debris if it’s left lying around.”
The advice also extends to sparklers, which should be treated with the same caution.
“Make sure sparklers are fully extinguished before disposal, and never leave them on pavements or roads where they could pose a risk to others,” John urges.
