Fourth of July celebrations often include family and friends gathering for backyard grilling, barbecues or firework displays.
“If coals, ashes or fireworks are not properly extinguished before disposal, they can put our employees’ safety at risk,” said Justin Vetsch, senior district manager for Waste Management of Kansas, Inc.
Below are some safety tips on how to properly dispose of coals, ashes and fireworks:
Hot coal and ashes
• Hot coals and ashes should never be directly disposed of in your trash container or cart.
• Allow at least 48-hours for coal and ashes to cool by transferring the material to a metal or non-flammable holding container and dampening with water.
• When completely cooled, place the dampened material in a bag and then put in your trash container for collection. Never place coals or ash material in a recycling container.
Fireworks
• The National Safety Council recommends soaking used fireworks for several hours before placing them in a trash container for collection http://bit.ly/2RtbKva .
• Unused or “misfired” fireworks should be soaked for at least 20 minutes prior to placing in a trash container for collection.
• Like coal and ashes, once completely cooled and dampened, place the fireworks in a bag and then put in your trash container for collection.
• Never place any firework materials in your recycling container.