Bonfire night is a time for fireworks and fun.
But it also brings the challenge of extra food waste due to household parties and the issue of disposing of used fireworks safely.
This year, the Isle of Wight council has put together some top tips to help your bonfire bash go safely and sustainably.
Dix: Avoid safety risks for staff
Natasha Dix, the council’s strategic manager for the environment, said,
“Bonfire night, or fireworks night, is a fun event that generates waste explosives or fireworks that people are often not sure how to dispose of.
“Placing unused or damaged fireworks in the bin is very dangerous and can cause a safety risk to waste collection staff, HWRC staff and treatment plant workers.”
To safely dispose of used fireworks:
- Submerge them in water for at least 48 hours.
- Double wrap them tightly in a bag.
- Put them in your black bin or black gull sack or take to the Household Waste and Recycling Centres at Lynnbottom or Afton Marsh.
- Used fireworks or sparklers should not be placed in your recycle bin or recycle sack. They are not recyclable and contaminate the rest of your recycling.
Unused fireworks
Never place unused or damaged fireworks in your black bin or sack. These are dangerous and present a fire and safety risk to refuse workers and plant workers.
Unopened fireworks still in their packaging can be taken back to where they were bought. Do not take unused fireworks to the police, fire service or coastguard as they will not be accepted.
Having a bonfire bash?
Here are our top tips to make your party go with a safe and sustainable bang:
- Best of all — Visit an organised display. It’s safer and just as fun.
- Consider using recyclable cups, paper plates and wooden cutlery that can be reused/recycled easily instead of single use plastic.
- Bottles and cans: Wash and squash any plastic or cans to make space in your recycling bin/sack to recycle more.
- Food waste: Use your food caddie to dispose of any leftover food waste or visit Love Food Hate Waste’s Website for simple recipes to use up your leftovers. You could make a sausage, onion and potato tray bake.
- Wrap up warm and be safe.
Leftover bonfire party food
Any leftover bonfire party food can be popped into your food waste caddie.
Did you know all food waste collected is sent to the mainland to be turned into electricity or compost?
If you don’t have either an indoor or outdoor food caddy, you can order one via the Website or by calling (01983) 823777.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: © Isle of Wight Council
