Remember, remember, to be sustainable this November: Eco-friendly bonfire night tips
Each year on 5 November, millions of people across the UK celebrate Bonfire Night, gathering around blazing fires and watching fireworks light up the night sky. While the event commemorates Guy Fawkes’ infamous Gunpowder Plot, the environmental impact of the celebrations often goes unnoticed.
From fireworks releasing harmful chemicals to bonfire smoke increasing air pollution, this traditional event leaves behind a significant waste and carbon footprint. So how can we make Bonfire Night more sustainable while still enjoying the spectacle?
This post explores practical tips for a greener Bonfire Night, covering bonfires, fireworks, food and drink, and celebrations, so we can all enjoy responsibly.
Sustainable bonfire tips
Use only natural materials
Bonfires release smoke and pollutants, particularly if inappropriate materials are burned. Plastics, rubber, or furniture not only harm the environment but are also illegal to burn. Acceptable materials include natural untreated wood, card, or paper.
The Environment Agency (RPS 50) clearly states that painted or chemically treated materials must never be used. For more guidance, see Gov.uk.
Protect wildlife, mind the hedgehogs!
Hedgehogs begin hibernation in November, and bonfires are a serious risk. To protect them, build your bonfire on the day of lighting, rather than leaving it overnight. This reduces the chance of animals sheltering inside.
For expert advice, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society provides guidance on keeping wildlife safe during Bonfire Night.
Manage leftover materials responsibly
If you have surplus wood, pallets, or other materials, don’t just dump them. Reconomy can support with waste management and recycling solutions that keep materials in circulation and out of landfill. Learn more about our approach to the circular economy
Sustainable firework tips
Choose eco-friendly fireworks
Not all fireworks are equal. Many contain heavy metals and chemicals that pollute air and soil. Where possible, purchase eco-friendly fireworks from licensed retailers. If unavailable, opt for white fireworks, which typically contain fewer harmful chemicals than coloured varieties (Ecotricity).
Dispose of fireworks safely
Most used fireworks aren’t recyclable and often end up in landfill. Reduce waste by limiting the number you use. When disposing, follow the “Soak It, Bag It, Bin It” rule recommended by the High Wycombe Fireworks Recycling Forum (HWRF):
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Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water.
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Bag them securely.
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Place them in the general waste.
Understand the law
Illegal fireworks use can result in fines up to £5,000 or even imprisonment. Always buy from a licensed retailer and check regulations on Gov.uk.
Celebration waste reduction tips
Reduce food waste
Bonfire Night parties often create large amounts of leftover food. To prevent waste:
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Separate food waste into designated bins.
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Compost where possible.
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Partner with local farmers or charities that can use leftovers.
If you’re organising a large event, Reconomy can provide tailored food waste collection and recycling services. See our work on waste and resource management.
Cut down single-use plastics
Drinks are often served in disposable cups, but these contribute heavily to plastic pollution. Instead:
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Bring a reusable water bottle for cold drinks.
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Use a flask for hot beverages.
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Wash and reuse glasses for alcoholic drinks.
Reducing plastic use directly supports the fight against resource depletion, a topic linked to the global circularity gap.
Rethink lanterns
Sky lanterns, while visually striking, pose serious risks to wildlife and land. Animals can become entangled in wires, and remnants damage soil. If you use lanterns, choose biodegradable alternatives that avoid metal frames.
Why sustainability matters this Bonfire Night
The urgency of reducing waste during seasonal events is underscored by milestones like Earth Overshoot Day, the point each year when humanity’s resource use exceeds what Earth can regenerate. In 2025, it falls on 24 July, creeping earlier each decade since the 1970s.
By making small, sustainable changes to events like Bonfire Night, we help push this date further back, reducing pressure on ecosystems and aligning our lifestyles with planetary limits.
FAQs: Sustainable Bonfire Night
Eco-friendly fireworks are designed with fewer harmful chemicals. Alternatively, you could use laser or drone light shows, which create a spectacle without emissions.
Ash from natural, untreated wood can sometimes be used as compost. However, treated or painted wood should never be burned, as it produces toxic residue.
Plan portions carefully, compost leftovers, and use waste collection services like those offered by Reconomy for larger events.
Lanterns can harm wildlife, create litter, and pose fire risks. Biodegradable lanterns are less damaging, but avoiding them altogether is the most sustainable choice.
By reusing, recycling, and avoiding unnecessary waste, we can align Bonfire Night celebrations with circular economy principles, keeping resources in use and reducing landfill.
Final thought
Bonfire Night is a cherished tradition, but it doesn’t have to come at the environment’s expense. By choosing sustainable bonfire materials, reducing single-use plastics, disposing of fireworks responsibly, and attending organised events, we can celebrate responsibly while protecting our planet.
If you need guidance on waste management, recycling, or circular economy solutions, speak to Reconomy today and discover how we can help your business or community make sustainability second nature.