Hazardous

Explosive

Never put unused or dud fireworks in any bin, burn them or take them to the tip.

Unused or dud fireworks

Also called: unused firework, unused fireworks, old fireworks, leftover firework, dud firework, dud fireworks

Specialist disposal

National rules. Choose your council to see its answer.

Your council's answer

The answer can differ by council. Choose your council to see its rules for this item.

How to prepare it

  1. Never put unused or dud fireworks in any bin, burn them or bury them: recycling centres don't accept them either
  2. If they are undamaged and dry, the safest way is to let them off following the instructions, then treat them as used fireworks
  3. Damaged, damp, old or unwanted fireworks: ask your council or your fire and rescue service how to hand them in, as some run firework amnesties
  4. Never go back to a firework that was lit but didn't go off
  5. A large quantity, such as leftovers from a cancelled display, needs a specialist disposal company
  6. Until you can hand them in, keep them somewhere cool and dry, away from heat, electrical appliances, children and pets

National rules

The answer isn't the same in every UK nation. Choose your council to see the one that applies to you.

England and Wales

Specialist disposal

There's no public drop-off for this. Here's who can take it.

Ask: Never put unused, damaged or dud fireworks in any bin or take them to the tip: recycling centres don't accept them. If they are dry and undamaged, let them off following the instructions; otherwise ask your local council or fire and rescue service how to hand them in, and use a specialist disposal company for large amounts.

Scotland

Specialist disposal

There's no public drop-off for this. Here's who can take it.

Ask: Never put unused, damaged or dud fireworks in any bin or take them to the tip: recycling centres don't accept them. If they are dry and undamaged, let them off following the instructions; otherwise ask your local council or the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service how to hand them in, and use a specialist disposal company for large amounts.

Scotland-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source

Northern Ireland

Specialist disposal

There's no public drop-off for this. Here's who can take it.

Ask: Never put unused, damaged or dud fireworks in any bin or take them to the tip: recycling centres don't accept them. If they are dry and undamaged, let them off following the instructions; otherwise ask your council or the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service how to hand them in, and use a specialist disposal company for large amounts.

Northern Ireland-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source

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