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PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - With the Fourth of July approaching and fireworks sales beginning, fire officials want to remind people that improper disposal of fireworks puts waste workers, recycling workers and the environment at risk.

Fireworks cannot be legally discharged in unincorporated Clark County until July 4. For a list of legal discharge times, visit here.
Firework usage is banned in Portland
Fireworks are permitted outside of Portland in the neighboring Gaston, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, and Cornelius.
- Last-minute bans due to extreme fire conditions are possible

Dangers of improper firework cleanup include debris washing into storm drains that lead to streams, rivers and lakes.

fireworks contain heavy metals and other chemicals that can harm wildlife.
Sweep up and dispose of fireworks debris as soon as possible and avoid using fireworks near waterways

Not cleaning up fireworks residue is littering, Clark County officials said. Clark County Public Works does not provide additional street sweeping after the Fourth of July.

Tips for proper disposal of used fireworks:

Do not place any fireworks or any part of fireworks in your recycling cart.
All used fireworks should be treated as garbage and disposed of as follows:
- Put used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight. Remove them from the water and put them in a garbage bag and into your garbage cart.
- Dump the water onto grass, dirt or other landscape where it won’t flow into a storm drain or waterway. Do not pour onto pavement or into the street.

Tips for proper disposal of unused fireworks:

Do not put unused fireworks in your garbage or recycling carts; they are explosives and can cause serious harm to workers and the environment.
Do not take them to the transfer stations; workers cannot accept explosives.
Do take unused legal fireworks to one of these designated drop-off sites between 8 am and 5 pm Monday-Friday, except holidays. Appointments may be required. Fireworks must be given directly to personnel, not left in a lobby or outside. Check-in with office staff before bringing fireworks into the building.
- Unused, unwanted, or confiscated fireworks can be dropped at any TVF&R fire station.
- Clark County Public Safety Complex, 505 NW 179th St., Ridgefield. 564.397.2186. By appointment only.
- Camas-Washougal Fire Marshal’s Office, 605 NE Third Ave., Camas. 360.834.6191. By appointment only.
- Vancouver Police Department, 360.487.7500.
  - East Precinct – 520 SE 155th Ave.
  - West Precinct – 2800 NE Stapleton Road

Community Risk Reduction Manager Kim Haughn with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue encouraged attending a professional show.

“Fireworks produce sounds similar to gunshots, which can cause physical and mental distress to those who have experienced combat. Response to traumatic events vary from person to person, but everyone should be mindful and respectful of those who may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Keep in mind that loud fireworks affect the brave members of our military who fought and continue to fight for our freedoms.

Fireworks also tend to frighten beloved pets, including farm animals. The loud noises can cause them great anxiety and stress, since they are unable to comprehend what is going on. If you insist on setting off fireworks, be aware of your own pet(s) and your neighbors’ and try to limit the quantity and length of time fireworks will be set off.”