Status: 28.12.2023, 19:00 PM
By: Andrea Stettner
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After New Year's Eve, remnants of fireworks and firecrackers usually remain unnoticed on the street or on sidewalks. Residents are often the ones who suffer.
While some consider fireworks and firecrackers to be a real waste of money, others don't let the fun at the turn of the year be taken away from them. In 2022 alone, people in Germany spent a total of 180 million euros on New Year's Eve rockets, firecrackers and firecrackers. This is reported by Tagesschau.de, citing figures from the Association of the Pyrotechnic Industry. But after the New Year's Eve fireworks, the Katzenjammer is often great – the remains of rockets, firecrackers and the like are often left in place and pollute streets, sidewalks or even front gardens. But who is responsible for the removal? The municipality, the residents – or the celebrants themselves?
Fireworks must be disposed of by revelers themselves
Remnants of fireworks, as you can find them in many places after New Year's Eve. Who needs to clean up here? © Wirestock/Imago
According to the Association of Municipal Companies (VKU), the municipal street cleaning statute may stipulate that people who set off fireworks in public places and streets on New Year's Eve are responsible for disposing of the waste generated. This is reported by the German Press Agency (dpa). In addition, the celebrants are obliged to remove all dirt that impairs the cityscape. However, there are local differences - which regulations exactly apply in the place of residence can be inquired at the city cleaning service or the responsible building authorities.
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Dispose of fireworks residues quickly – there is a risk of environmental damage
Remnants of fireworks should always be removed as soon as possible, as fireworks and firecrackers contain various chemicals, the dpa report continues. If these are washed from the snow into the ground by rain or meltwater or end up in bodies of water, this harms the environment.
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How to properly dispose of fireworks and firecrackers
According to Oekotest.de, spent fireworks, multi-shot batteries and firecrackers belong in the residual waste. Cardboard that covers the fireworks elements and is contaminated with chemical residues after ignition must also be disposed of in household waste – and not, as is usually the case, in waste paper. However, be very careful not to throw hot or even burning fireworks into the waste bins. Otherwise, the waste could ignite. By the way, even at the New Year's Eve party, you should think about the sensitivities of the neighbors.