Alameda County – Safely Dispose of Your Old Marine Flares this Weekend

Do you have expired or unwanted flares? As marine signal devices are explosives, and therefore difficult to dispose of, Alameda County is running a one-day flare collection event this coming Sunday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The event is only for recreational boaters who live or berth their boat in Alameda County, and to participate, you must make an appointment.

To drop off your expired or unwanted flares select your drop-off time and add your details here  — you will then receive a confirmation email with your time slot and the collection point address.

When: Sunday, October 18, 2020, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Location will be shared in the appointment confirmation email

For everyone’s safety, participants are required to:

• Transport flares safely. Keep in original packaging or protect from movement. Assure any ignition device is covered or taped in place.
• Bring proof of residence or marina membership to the event.
• Wear a face mask. Face masks are mandatory for the driver and all passengers during drop-off.
• Stay in their vehicle — state law and part of our COVID-19 protection plan. Items must be in an unlocked trunk or back cargo space.

Acceptable Items:

• Handheld flares
• Aerial flares
• Smoke signals
• For military type, damaged, decayed, very old or very large items, call (800) 606-6606, or e-mail [email protected] for options.

Non-Acceptable Items:

• Other hazardous waste such as paint, batteries and oil. For details about other hazardous waste call (800) 606-6606 or click here.
• Items from commercial craft, businesses or organizations

For more information or to make an appointment you can email [email protected], or call call (800) 606-6606.

General information about the disposal of expired marine flares is available through the California Department of Toxic Substances Control – (800) 728-6942 – or your local Certified Unified Program Agency.

The Alameda County flare collection event is being conducted by the Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Program with funding from the California Department of Recycling and Resource Recovery, and in partnership with the California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission California Boating Clean and Green Program.