Reminder — Flare Collection Event Happening This Weekend

Last Friday we gave readers a heads-up that an expired marine flare collection is taking place on October 24 and 25. Well, the time is nigh; the flare collection event is happening this weekend! Below is a recap of the locations, times and days of the various collection points in California.

Please check additional detailed information and requirements for each event below:

Northern California:

Alameda County
Sunday, October 25, 2026 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
By appointment ONLY. Sign-up for an appointment: www.stopwaste.org/marineflares

Marin County
Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Clipper Yacht Harbor, 310 Harbor Dr., Sausalito, CA 94965

San Mateo County
Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pillar Point Harbor, 1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA
By appointment ONLY: Call (650) 372-6200 (M–F); or visit smchealth.org/hhw
This event is open ONLY to San Mateo County residents, boaters who berth in the county, and county commercial boaters who generate less than 100 kg of hazardous waste/month. To participate, you must provide proof of residency, boat berth or business address in San Mateo County.

Santa Cruz County
Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Santa Cruz Harbor Maintenance Yard, 425 Brommer St,. Santa Cruz, CA

West Contra Costa County
Oct 14–Oct. 24, 2026, Wed–Sat 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801.
This event is only for West Contra Costa residents or boaters in the following cities: El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo, and unincorporated Contra Costa County (i.e., El Sobrante, North Richmond, Tara Hills, Rollingwood, East Richmond Heights, Bayview, Montalvin Manor). Must prove WCC residency to participate.

Southern California:

Orange County
Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunset Aquatic Marina, 2901 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Port of San Diego
Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Shelter Island Boat Ramp, 2210 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, CA 92106

Ventura County
Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Channel Islands Harbor Marina, 3850 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93035

Only expired marine flares from residents and boaters berthing their boats in the covered areas will be accepted. No marine flares from commercial craft or an organization nor other forms of household hazardous waste (HHW) will be accepted during the special events. Proof of residence or eligibility is required (i.e., license, registration or slip fee).

Thank you to Alameda County, West Contra Costa County, Marin County, San Mateo County, Santa Cruz County, the Port of San Diego [San Diego County], Orange County and Ventura County, which have partnered with CalRecycle, the California Product Stewardship Council, California State Parks and the Coastal Commission’s California Boating Clean and Green Program for continuing to collect expired marine flares. It makes a big difference to us and the many boaters who have not yet switched to electronic distress signals, or have old flares tucked away in the garage or shed.

Go get your old flares now and put them by the front door or wherever you will see them tomorrow.