SafeWork NSW is cracking down on the illegal sale of fireworks through social media in the lead up to Australia Day.

The move comes after a significant increase in reports of individuals attempting to sell the product through sites including Facebook.

SafeWork NSW Executive Director Peter Dunphy said people had forgotten the risks involved with the activity.

He said the fireworks that were used many years were not like those used these days.

"The fireworks that are being used now by pyrotechnicians are very large-sized fireworks which are really controlled explosives," Mr Dunphy said.

The illegal trade has been described as becoming more 'sophisticated' over time.

Almost two tonnes of illegal fireworks has been seized in the last two years, resulting in two prosecutions and a 10-month custodial sentence.

Mr Dunphy said SafeWork was working with NSW Police to track individuals who were trying to sell to unsuspecting users.

"Traditionally people would sell them outside of their boots of their cars at pubs," Mr Dunphy said.

"We know now that people are getting more sophisticated in terms of how they try to sell fireworks illegally and we certainly are monitoring all of the digital environment what other avenues people are using," he said.

Mr Dunphy said while most of the online trade was sourced in metropolitan areas, it could end up in the hands of anyone in New South Wales.

People being urged to stop lighting private fireworks

Fire and Rescue New South Wales is encouraging people to dispose of old fireworks stored away in sheds because of the potentially fatal dangers.

There have three deaths from private fireworks in the last two years despite the activity being prohibited across the state.

Tamworth's Superintendent Tom Cooper said no one should be in possession of the product unless they were a licensed pyrotechnician.

"If you do have fireworks that you've had for years stored away in the back shed, don't light them or don't use them.

"Your best bet is to dispose them in a proper manner," he said.