Celebrate Bonfire Night in an Eco-friendlier Way
We are fast approaching 5th November and the 420th anniversary of the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot to assassinate King James the First. The arrest of Guy Fawkes was celebrated with bonfires lit to commemorate the King’s survival. The setting off of fireworks was added a few years later to make mockery of the plot’s failed explosives. The tradition of Bonfire Night is still strong throughout the UK and enjoyed by millions – but for the recycling sector it does pose some challenges.
While great fun, unfortunately fireworks are not recyclable. Even the carboard tubing used in fireworks is difficult to remove and is likely to contain residual chemicals from the fireworks themselves and thus contaminate other recyclables. Used fireworks are also a danger if not completely extinguished. The advice is always to soak used fireworks and sparklers in water (preferably overnight) and then bag them and put them in the general waste bin (not the recycling bin).
For those enthusiasts who over-purchased fireworks, or had to cancel their display, what are the options of disposing of unused fireworks? The simplest thing is to set them off in accordance with the instructions provided. If unused fireworks are being stored, they must be kept away from other sources of ignition and mustn’t be allowed to become wet or damp. This is not just to avoid ‘a damp squib’ but mainly to stop chemical leaks contaminating waterways.
Unused fireworks cannot be taken to Household Waste Recycling Centres or put into household bins (for obvious reasons!). If they cannot be set off or stored safely, there are specialist disposal companies that will come and collect them.
The environmental impact of fireworks and bonfires makes for sobering reading. Fireworks release toxins and bonfires emit CO2, and the pollution gases from Bonfire Night include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, particulate matter as well as toxic metals such as lithium and barium. Research conducted by the University of Leeds concluded that the amount of soot in the atmosphere was 100 times higher after a fireworks display than it was before one took place. London showed the largest spike, with particulate levels tripling within 48 hours after Bonfire Night.
Ways to enjoy a more sustainable Bonfire Night
There’s always a balance to be had as most entertaining activities will result in some form of environmental impact. But to lessen that impact on 5th November, it is much better to attend an organised display than to have one yourself – and much safer, too. If you are lighting your own bonfire, don’t be tempted to use it as a way of disposing of any old rubbish which might release harmful chemicals or something that could be usefully reused or recycled. In particular, try and avoid using wood that has been painted or varnished and only burn untreated wood or garden waste – and be careful how you decorate your Guy!
If you are planning your own fireworks display, there is a growing range of sustainable fireworks on the market that use cleaner burning nitrogen-based fuel rather than more harmful chemicals. Ground-level fireworks such as Roman candles and Catherine Wheels are also easier to clean up and dispose of responsibly.
Let’s not forget the food and drink – which is almost as important as the fireworks themselves at a bonfire party! To reduce waste, try not to use disposable plates, cutlery and cups and treat your recycling bin to all those freshly emptied bottles and cans.
Bonfire Night is a unique British tradition and one that gears people up in readiness for the festive season ahead – but we can all do small things to make sure our celebration is a little bit kinder to the environment than usual!