🎃 Have a Safe, Green, and Fun Halloween 2025! 🎃

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year. From spooky costumes and glowing pumpkins to trick-or-treating with friends and family, it’s a night filled with fun, imagination, and community spirit. But while we enjoy the celebrations, it’s also important to remember that safety comes first.

Every year, preventable accidents caused by illegal bonfires and fireworks put lives at risk and place pressure on our emergency services. This Halloween, let’s work together to make sure our celebrations are safe, enjoyable, and environmentally friendly.

The Hidden Dangers of Bonfires

Bonfires may seem like harmless tradition, but they are far from safe. In recent years, bonfires have been misused as a way to burn waste such as plastics, tyres, mattresses, and furniture. When burned, these materials release toxic chemicals into the air, damaging our environment and harming the health of everyone nearby—especially people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Beyond the health risks, bonfires are also dangerous. They can cause serious injuries, spark fires that spread rapidly, and lead to costly property damage. Choosing to avoid and discourage bonfires helps protect your family, your community, and the planet.

Fireworks: Not Worth the Risk

Fireworks might look spectacular, but they are illegal, unpredictable, and dangerous. Every year, people suffer life-changing injuries from fireworks accidents. For children, the risks are even greater. The safest way to enjoy Halloween is to avoid fireworks altogether and stick to activities that don’t put your health or safety in danger.

Safety Tips for a Happy Halloween

Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your family, friends, and neighbours safe this Halloween:

• Don’t leave waste or materials outside that could be used for bonfires.

• Households and businesses should never supply materials for burning.

• Avoid attending illegal bonfires or fireworks displays.

• Teach children and teens about the dangers of fireworks and bonfires.

• Keep a safe distance from any fires—sparks can travel quickly.

• Always supervise children while trick-or-treating.

• Respect emergency services and local authorities.

• Keep pets indoors and safe from loud noises and fire risks.

If you see a bonfire being lit near buildings, trees, or other risky areas, call the Fire Brigade immediately at 999 or 112.

How to Report Illegal Waste or Bonfires

If you witness illegal dumping or bonfires, you can report them to Wicklow County Council 24/7:

• Call 1890 548837 or email litter@wicklowcoco.ie

For further support:

• Waste Management Section (office hours): 0404 20127mail: envcomplaints@wicklowcoco.ie

Remember: providing waste for bonfires is a criminal offence under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009. Learn more at wicklow.ie/burning-waste.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Halloween

Halloween can still be magical, creative, and sustainable. Here are a few eco-friendly ideas:

• Create your own costumes by reusing old clothes or fabrics.

• Shop second-hand for costumes and accessories.

• Choose low-waste treats with minimal packaging.

• Use reusable bags instead of single-use plastic trick-or-treat bags.

• Plan traditional activities like pumpkin carving, ghost stories, and apple bobbing.

• Keep pets safe and comfortable indoors.

Let’s make Halloween 2025 safe, green, and unforgettable

Halloween should be about fun, imagination, and community, not hospital visits, property damage, or environmental harm. By making safe and sustainable choices, we can all enjoy a night to remember—for all the right reasons.