Cleaning up after 4th of July weekend: How to properly dispose of fireworks, red solo cups and more

Samantha Neely, Fort Myers News-Press
Updated ·5 min read

The Fourth of July holiday is only days away, which means it's time to grab the decorations, go grocery shopping and get the final headcount of who is coming over for the barbeque this weekend.

What might not be on your mind yet is the clean-up that happened directly after the festivities ended and everyone goes home.

To save some stress and eliminate a few steps, here's what to know about disposing of some of the items found throughout the backyard barbecue:

How can I get rid of my used and unused fireworks?

What's a Fourth of July holiday without a few fireworks or sparklers?

Fireworks should be thrown out as trash. Whether they are used or unused, do not place fireworks or any part of the firework in your recycling container. As for what steps to take:

  • Put used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight as they can still be burning on the inside long after the sparks have stopped. Remove them from the water and put them into a bag inside your garbage can.

  • For unused fireworks, completely submerge them in a large bucket of water and soak them until thoroughly saturated. Experts say this may take 15 minutes for small fireworks or as long as overnight for larger ones. Double-wrap the completely soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or two plastic bags so they do not dry out, then place the double-bagged fireworks in a larger trash bag and put them out with your household trash.

How celebrate the weekend safely: Are fireworks legal in Florida? What if there's an accident? 11 things you should know

How do I dispose of non-reusable decorations?

While you can pack up the flags to reuse next year, certain decorations might not have withstood the single celebration. Depending on the material of the item, it can be either recycled or thrown away in the trash. You'll want to check with your municipality to see if there are any exclusions from recycling from the list that follows.

Here are the materials safe to recycle, according to Waste Management:

  • Plastic bottles and containers

  • Glass bottles and containers

  • Food and beverage cans

  • Paper

  • Cardboard and paperboard

  • Food and beverage containers

Can I recycle plastic cups, containers, and bottles?

Notice multiple red solo cups laying around? Instead of tossing them in the trash, give them a rinse and recycle them.

All plastic bottles, cups, and containers, excluding Styrofoam, prescription medicine bottles, and motor oil bottles, can be placed in your recycling bin.

What's the best way to handle food leftovers?

When the barbecue starts to wind down, set aside some reusable containers or use aluminum foil as an alternative to plastic wrap and bags for packing up leftovers. Clean aluminum foil can be placed in the recycling bin, unlike plastic wrap.

What should I do with old or worn-out batteries?

If you used any battery-powered electronics over the weekend, you can take the used-up or damaged batteries to a recycling center.

Electronics stores, such as Best Buy, also accept electronic waste which you can drop off in-store. The small metal parts within them are often salvaged and melted down to make new materials for new products.

Where should I take my propane tank?

Once the grill is no longer in use, it might be time to figure out what to do with the propane tank.

Propane tanks can be refilled if they are almost empty but they do have limits on how many times they can be refilled. Used propane tanks damaged by corrosion, dents, or use require proper disposal due to the highly flammable gas. Most waste and recycling facilities will not accept an old propane tank because it’s considered hazardous waste.

If the Fourth of July weekend will be your current tank's last, here is what to know:

  • Exchange an empty propane tank for a refill - A used tank in good condition can be refilled at a designated retailer or supplier. Many companies have exchange depots outside of local and chain hardware stores, gas stations, and convenience stores that are self-serve, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Dispose of old or damaged tanks at a specialized center - Since propane poses a risk at standard recycling centers, you can take them to a specialized recycling center with the equipment and employees trained to completely drain old tanks.

  • When in doubt, contact a local propane supplier - Not sure where to take your tank or if your tank is past its prime? A propane supplier can often direct you to locations in the area that accept and handle hazardous materials like an old propane tank. Some will even offer inspections on tanks.

How do I dispose of my cooking oil from the grill or stove?

On top of taking care of the propane tank, there's also a question of how to dispose of the cooking oil on the grill.

According to Frontier Waste Management, the rule of thumb when it comes to grease and oil disposal is to not pour it down a drain since it will destroy your plumbing and instead turn to your garbage can.

Before the oil heads to the trash, it can be placed into a sealed container to solidify. You can use glass jars, waxy containers like milk cartons, or styrofoam boxes to contain any potential leaks.

Frontier also noted that water disposal companies in your area may take used cooking oil and use it to create biofuels.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: July 4th is this weekend. How to dispose of fireworks, other trash