Voorschoten residents are welcome at the Leiden fireworks drop-off point
Leiden is heading into the New Year without consumer fireworks. A nationwide ban has been in effect since August 2026. Residents who still have fireworks at home from previous New Year’s celebrations can turn them in safely, anonymously, and without penalty. Residents of Voorschoten are also welcome at the collection point in Leiden.
On Wednesday, September 30, the City of Leiden will open a drop-off point in the parking lot next to Combibad and IJshal De Vliet. The site will be set up so that fireworks can be safely collected, stored, and disposed of. The drop-off point is also available to residents of the municipalities of Leiderdorp, Oegstgeest, Voorschoten, and Zoeterwoude, as well as the rest of the region.
New Regulations
Setting off fireworks has been causing serious problems for years. The risk of accidents is high, and the damage is substantial every New Year’s Eve. Storing fireworks and leftover fireworks in homes or garages also poses significant risks. Leiden has therefore been working toward a fireworks-free New Year’s Eve for some time. Recently, this effort gained momentum due to new national regulations. As of August 1, 2026, consumers in the Netherlands will no longer be allowed to purchase, possess, or set off fireworks. An exception is made for Category F1 fireworks, such as sparklers and firecrackers.
Heavy fireworks
All types of fireworks can be turned in anonymously and without penalty on September 30, including fireworks that have long been banned for consumer use, such as cobras, nitrate-based fireworks, and shells. We urge residents who possess these fireworks to turn them in.
Please note: Homemade fireworks will not be accepted. They are too dangerous, even for professionals.
When?
The drop-off event will take place on Wednesday, September 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. (Previous reports stated the hours were from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but that is incorrect.)
This initiative follows up on the program launched by the municipality of Voorschoten in 2025, which was joined by neighboring municipalities. In the coming period, the municipality of Leiden will work with the Ministry of Justice and Security to further develop the details of the return process. The municipality will provide an update as soon as more information becomes available.