Fireworks debris strewn across Weymouth beach

The outer casings of ‘rocket’ fireworks have ended up along the shoreline of Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth – with environmentalists warning that these could potentially still have traces of ‘toxic chemicals inside.

Firework debris (Image: NQ)

Different metal compounds give fireworks different colours, for example, lithium salts produce pink, sodium salts make yellow, or orange, copper and barium salts generate green or blue, and calcium or strontium give red.

File photo of Dave Taylor (Image: Weymouth and Portland Marine Litter Project)

Dave Taylor of the Weymouth and Portland Marine Litter Project explained that firework packaging is often found all along the coast at this time of year, including at Chesil Cove and the Fleet.

Firework debris (Image: NQ)

The Marine Litter Project is based in Wyke Regis and is a community interest company founded by local environmentalists Jane Fuhrmann and Mr Taylor.

He said: “Fireworks contain elements which can be quite toxic and when they explode, they can end up in the sea and their remains are still in the packaging and all the toxic chemicals from there can leach int the sea.

Firework debris (Image: NQ)

“It’s quite common and we find this every year. People should take the rubbish home.”

He also explained that there is a safety risk involved when people go along and pick up the rubbish as the firework may not have exploded.

He recommends ‘that people go to an organised firework displays,’ rather than host their own.

Brian Hallworth, also known as the 'Sheriff of the Seashore,’ can often be found conducting litter picks along Weymouth Beach and other nearby shores.

File photo of Brian Hallworth (Image: Hollie Carr)

He explained that ‘from a litter picking point of view, it’s a very bad time of year as there are a lot of events happening on top of each other.’

Mr Hallworth added: “I have come across quite a few sparklers recently. Last Friday, I picked up a whole bunch of rockets.”

Sparklers collected by Brian last year (Image: Brian Hallworth)

Following last years Weymouth Beach bonfire night event, the Sherriff of the Seashore collected 143 sparklers off the beach and was still collecting nails from where the bonfire was burned for days after.

Even more firework litter is expected to be found tomorrow following Guy Fawkes Night (Tuesday, November 5), with organised and  at-home displays planned for the evening.