Don’t launch fireworks from your garbage or recycling carts

No doubt everyone is excited to not only watch the Fourth of July fireworks shows, but also light their own.

Every year around this time, we receive requests to replace damaged carts because fireworks were launched from them. Damage from this kind of negligence will incur a replacement and delivery fee.

You can also help reduce truck fires by properly disposing of fireworks. After using fireworks, make sure to toss them in a bucket of water and let them soak overnight. Wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag, then place them in the regular household garbage cart for disposal.

– Kari Ann Hodson, P.E., Collier County Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Division