For a safe New Year's Eve: Is the ban on firecrackers finally coming?

For a safe New Year's Eve: Is the ban on firecrackers finally coming?

As New Year's Eve approaches, the debate over the use of fireworks intensifies. In Germany in particular, there is increasing desire for a comprehensive ban on firecrackers. Eco test reports recent developments that suggest that overall support for such a ban is increasing. According to surveys, more than half of Germans are in favor of banning private fireworks, with three out of four people having no interest in setting off fireworks themselves.

Clear need for change

The police union has submitted a petition for a nationwide ban on firecrackers with over 2.3 million signatures. It is described as the largest of its kind in Germany. The #böllerciao campaign alliance, supported by over 60 environmental and animal protection organizations, has already collected more than 670,000 signatures. These organizations argue that the health and environmental risks of illegal New Year's Eve fireworks can no longer be tolerated. Every year, around 8,000 people are treated for inner ear injuries caused by fireworks, and more than 2,000 tons of fine dust are released into the air from the explosions. There are already special firecracker ban zones in Erfurt, and this practice is increasing in many German cities.

Damage and understanding of the dangers

The complications go beyond purely health aspects. On New Year's Eve 2024, there were five deaths due to fireworks accidents, and firefighters had to put out 400 fires in Berlin in a single evening. This clearly shows that the fireworks not only pollute air quality, but also pose significant safety risks. The Munich street cleaning department recorded 49 tons of garbage, while the Berlin city cleaning department even had to dispose of 670 cubic meters after the New Year's Eve celebrations.

The political discussion about a ban on firecrackers is also gaining momentum. While Interior Minister Nancy Faeser is open to local ban zones, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other politicians reject a general ban on firecrackers. They advocate giving cities more leeway to find tailor-made solutions. In some federal states, such as Bremen and Berlin, there are already initiatives to change explosives law and give communities more options for action.

Alternatives to banging

Uwe Hiksch, a prominent activist from the anti-firecracker camp, suggests celebrating central fireworks or innovative laser shows instead. His call for a general ban on firecrackers is based on the dangers posed by private fireworks and the high environmental impact. Pets and wild animals suffer from noise - a problem that has become increasingly public focus in recent years.

Many European countries have already introduced bans on firecrackers or strict regulations: The Netherlands has decided on a nationwide ban that will come into force in 2026. Other countries, including France and Switzerland, already have stricter regulations. Critics of a ban on firecrackers emphasize that traditions must be protected and that frequent accidents are caused by illegal fireworks.

The calls for a ban on firecrackers could become more important in the coming years. More and more citizens, politicians and nature conservation and animal protection organizations are calling for a rethink. Developments in Germany show that the tide is changing – and it is worth continuing to follow this debate closely.