How to safely dispose of fireworks this Fourth of July Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority is reminding people how to safely dispose of fireworks. Posted: Jul 1, 2021 4:30 PM Posted By: WKTV UTICA, N.Y. – Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority is reminding people how to safely dispose of fireworks. Just throwing away unused fireworks – or even duds – can still pose a risk to sanitation workers and solid waste facilities. OHSWA says to first soak the fireworks in water and put them in a bag before tossing them. “Once they're fully saturated, we just ask that you wrap them in plastic wrap or double bag them in plastic bags so they don't dry out and throw them right in your regular garbage,” said Samantha Brown, recycling coordinator.