The city of Manitowoc is offering tips for people shooting off fireworks this 4th of July weekend.
The city explains that fireworks contain metals, nitrates, and sulfur, along with paper, plastic, and other contaminants.
If the residue isn’t cleaned up, rain will wash the pollutants into nearby storm drains, polluting waterways.
The first tip for properly disposing of fireworks is to not shoot them over a body of water but rather near the shoreline.
The city also says all used fireworks need to be put in the trash, not recycled.
Used fireworks should also be placed in a bucket of cool water after the display is over.
The water should then be put in the grass or landscape and not down a storm drain because it will again contaminate the water supply.
