How to Dispose of Fireworks Safely in Iowa: Expert Tips

The 4th of July is over, so it's time to put away the fireworks.

In 2023, Americans spent about $2.7 billion on fireworks for the 4th of July, according to WalletHub. There are more than 14 thousand fireworks displayed over the course of this holiday.

44% of Americans went to some sort of fireworks show during the 4th of July.

But what do you do with all of those used up fireworks? How do you safely and responsibly dispose of them?

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What Should You Do with Your Used Fireworks?

There are a few things you should always make sure you're doing once you are finished blasting off fireworks, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' guidelines.

• Soak used fireworks
  • Once you're finished with the fireworks, make sure that you place them in a bucket of water and let them soak overnight.
• Wrap soaked fireworks
  • Once they are thoroughly damp, wrap those used fireworks up! Or you can even place them in plastic bags to prevent them from drying out.
• Dispose in trash
  • This one is kind of obvious, right? Take the used fireworks to the trash or to a local landfill.
• Contact authorities
  • If you're still a bit confused on just how to dispose of these fireworks, you can contact your local law enforcement for some clarification.

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