How to safely remove used fireworks, potentially save Topeka’s waterways

TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – As you wrap up your Fourth of July festivities, it’s important to safely dispose of your firework debris.

The City of Topeka shared tips on how you can safely dispose of your fireworks, after all of the fun has been had. According to the city’s Facebook page , fireworks contain metals, nitrates, sulfur and other chemicals that can be harmful. The city encourages residents to sweep up firework debris.

It’s important to not dispose of the fireworks in storm drains, as this improper disposal method could give chemicals an opportunity to pollute waterways. This pollution could be harmful to the wildlife and the city’s drinking water, according to the post.

The city offers the following disposal tips to safety get rid of your used fireworks:

• Do not place any fireworks or any part of fireworks in your recycling bin.
• Put used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight. Remove them from the water and put them in a garbage bag and into your garbage can.
• Dump the water onto grass or an area where it won’t flow into a storm drain. Do not pour onto the pavement, into the street, or down a storm drain.

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