A fun holiday is a safe holiday: Safety tips for BBQs, fireworks

Published 1:30 am Friday, June 3, 2022

By Karissa Jones / WM

Fourth of July is right around the corner; let the planning begin for summer fun!

As we gear up for barbecues, fireworks, and friends, remember both hot coals and fireworks require special care after the party is over. Keep safety top of mind by properly disposing of these handle-with-care items.

Barbecue coals can be deceiving because they often look cool but can retain their fire-starting heat for days. If they end up in the garbage before they are truly out, coals can spark a fire in your garbage bin or the garbage truck.

Each year, WM sees an uptick in these fires during barbecue season. Hot coals melt carts and cause other garbage in trucks to catch fire, forcing drivers to make emergency stops to dump entire loads. This poses a safety risk to you, your WM driver and the community.

What can you do to help? Let coals cool for several days in the grill or fireplace. After several days, transfer them to a metal box or bucket, and wet them down. Avoid putting hot coals in galvanized steel containers as this can release dangerous fumes. Once coals have had plenty of time to cool, dispose of them in the garbage bin.

Once the fireworks show has ended and the guests have gone home, it’s time to pick up and dispose of used fireworks. Even if they contain paper, fireworks should never be placed in the recycling or compost bin. Instead, soak them in water overnight, then place wet fireworks in a trash bag and dispose of them in the garbage bin.

By properly disposing of these materials, we can all keep our community safe and prevent an unexpected fire from extinguishing the holiday fun. Cheers for a safe and memorable Independence Day.

Karissa Jones is WM’s recycling education and outreach manager. For tips on recycling and waste reduction, visit the WM website – wmnorthwest.com.