As Bonfire Night approaches, the Isle of Wight Council is encouraging residents to enjoy the celebrations while making simple choices to reduce waste, protect the environment and keep waste workers safe.

From choosing reusable items and planning food purchases carefully, to disposing of fireworks responsibly, small changes can make a difference.

Natasha Dix, the Isle of Wight Council’s service director for waste, environment and planning, said: “Bonfire Night is a time for people to come together and enjoy the celebrations, but it is also a good opportunity to think about the waste we create.

“We also ask residents to take particular care when disposing of used fireworks. They can remain a serious fire risk and, if placed incorrectly in waste, can put our collection crews and colleagues at waste treatment facilities at risk.

“By celebrating responsibly and thinking about what happens to our waste after the festivities are over, we can all help make Bonfire Night safer and more sustainable.”

There are plenty of simple ways to reduce waste while enjoying Bonfire Night:

Choose an organised display
Wrap up warm and enjoy an organised fireworks display where possible. Fewer individual events can help reduce the overall environmental impact.

Choose reusable
If you’re hosting a Bonfire Night gathering, use reusable plates, cups and cutlery instead of single-use alternatives.

Make recycling easy
Make sure guests know where to put their waste by providing clearly identified recycling and general waste containers. Empty, rinse and squash cans and bottles where appropriate before recycling.

Get creative with decorations
Reuse decorations from previous years or make your own using materials you already have. Avoid items designed to be used once and then thrown away.

Be a bright spark when disposing of fireworks

• Used fireworks can pose a fire risk in waste collection vehicles and at waste treatment facilities.
• Residents should make sure used fireworks are completely extinguished and safely prepared for disposal before putting them in general waste.
• Never put used fireworks or sparklers in a recycling bin and never put fireworks on a bonfire
• Residents should follow the Council’s current guidance for soaking, wrapping and disposing of used fireworks.

Eat smart, waste less

Food is an important part of any Bonfire Night gathering, and planning ahead can help prevent good food from going to waste.

• Plan portions before shopping so you only buy what you need.
• Choose seasonal ingredients, such as pumpkins, squashes and root vegetables.
• Make the most of leftovers by turning them into another meal or freezing them for later.
• Try homemade treats, such as toffee apples, to reduce packaging and make use of seasonal produce.

Use your food caddy for unavoidable food waste.

Food waste collected on the Isle of Wight is processed to create green electricity and compost or fertiliser, giving food waste a useful second life.

Residents can find recipe inspiration and advice on reducing food waste from Love Food Hate Waste.

By choosing to reduce, reuse and recycle, disposing of fireworks responsibly and making the most of food, Islanders can enjoy Bonfire Night while creating less waste.