NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — As the Office of Response and Restoration says, July 4th fireworks should leave memories, not trash.

Even so, the fun of celebrating the Fourth can often overshadow the environmental impact fireworks have after the explosions.

“It’s really bad when you have fireworks on the side of the road,” said Mandan resident Lucas Le, “because they could still contain toxic stuff and [be] put into the air.”

According to Earth.org , Americans bought about 428.8 million pounds of fireworks in 2021. This means that hundreds of tons of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and more fill the air, creating that characteristic haze that often blankets towns like Mandan.

Worse still, many Americans don’t know how to properly dispose of the waste from used fireworks, leading to potentially toxic or explosive materials like fireworks dust and fuses remaining in neighborhoods where they could pose a danger to children or animals.

“Some of [the fireworks] might’ve not gone off,” said Le, “and it could explode, and it could still be dangerous.”

And this doesn’t even include other party cast-offs that often come with July 4th celebrations, like empty beer cans and plastic cups.

“People should be able to light fireworks but also be able to clean up and help our community,” said Le.

To properly dispose of used fireworks, soak them in a bucket of water overnight and then place them in a bag in a garbage can.

For unused fireworks, store them in a cool, dry place.

And remember: firework waste doesn’t belong in recycling or yard waste containers.

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