Soak used fireworks: New Plymouth council says water the way to avoid fire

New Plymouth's council is urging people to soak used fireworks overnight to reduce the risk of fires.

Thursday is Guy Fawkes night and New Plymouth District Council wants to avoid fires in the aftermath.

"Taking the time to soak used fireworks overnight can make a big difference," council resource recovery and sustainability lead Jenn O'Connell said.

"Making sure fireworks are completely wet – and only go in the red-lid landfill bin – helps reduce the risk of fires at home, in collection trucks, and at our district's Material Recovery Facility."

Everyone from sparkler enthusiasts to backyard display hosts could help prevent devastating fires, O'Connell said.

There were no fireworks-related incidents at the council's rubbish facilities last year, but O'Connell said the risks were real and could be catastrophic.

Previous close calls include a wheelie bin found smouldering after used fireworks were placed inside before they'd fully cooled, and an unused firework that ignited at the recovery centre.

Neither incident caused injury or major damage, but she said the consequences could be serious with people working around large volumes of paper and cardboard.

There are increasing calls for home fireworks to be banned, and consumer sales have fallen for the past two years.

"Thanks to everyone who did their part last year by disposing of their fireworks safely.

"Let's keep that going by making sure every used firework gets a thorough soak before it goes in the red-lid landfill bin."

Fireworks can't be recycled because they contain hazardous chemicals.

Fireworks and bonfires aren't allowed on public land across New Plymouth district, including beaches and reserves.