California boaters can properly dispose of marine flares at collection events. (Credit: Vivian Matuk, California State Parks and California Coastal Commission)
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OCEANSIDE, Calif., Oct. 8, 2024 – Marine flares are required to be carried aboard recreational boats for emergency signaling. However, because they expire every 36 to 42 months after manufacture, they need to be replaced about every three seasons of boating. A 2012 study found that California boaters generate 174,000 expired pyrotechnic marine flares every year, an explosive hazardous waste that contains toxic chemicals such as perchlorate.

Now Southern and Northern California boaters can safely dispose of expired flares at upcoming marine flare collection events in October and November. Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) is urging boaters in these areas to take advantage of these important events.

Southern California:

• San Diego County: On Saturday, October 26, residents who own or berth boats in San Diego County can drop off flares at 2210 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
• Los Angeles County: On Saturday, October 26, Residents who own or berth boats in Los Angeles County can drop off flares at Cabrillo Way Marina, 1193 Miner St., San Pedro, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• City of Morro Bay: On Sunday, October 27, residents who own or berth boats in the City of Morro Bay can drop off flares at 1196 Front St., Morro Bay, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Northern California:

• West Contra Costa County: From Wednesday, October 16 through Saturday, November 2, residents who own or berth boats in West Contra Costa County (Cities include: El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole, San Pablo, Richmond, El Sobrante, Kensington, Crockett, Port Costa, Rodeo, and unincorporated West Contra Costa County) can drop off flares at 101 Pittsburg Ave., Richmond, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Del Norte and Humbolt Counties: On Saturday, November 2, residents who own or berth boats in Del Norte and Humboldt Counties can drop off flares at 1700 State St., Cresent City, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Marin County: On Sunday, November 3, residents who own or berth boats in Marin County can drop off flares at Clipper Yacht Harbor, 310 Harbor Dr., Sausalito.
• Alameda County: On Sunday, November 3, residents who own or berth boats in Alameda County can sign up to drop off flares by appointment by going to www.stopwaste.org/marineflares.

Proof of eligibility (driver’s license or boat registration) is required.

The expired marine flare collection event is offered by Alameda, Del Norte, Humboldt, Los Angeles, Marin, San Diego and West Contra Costa counties as well as the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) in partnership with CalRecycle, California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission California Boating Clean and Green Program.

For more information about expired marine flares visit, dbw.parks.ca.gov/marineflares and to learn more check the Dockside podcast about this topic

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California boaters can drop off expired marine flares at upcoming fall collection events - open to residents or boaters who keep their vessel in these counties: Alameda, Del Norte, Humboldt, Los Angeles, Marin, San Diego and West Contra Costa https://bit.ly/3zDaC2U @BoatUS @CalRecycle #cleanwater #cleanwaterways #boatingsafety #flaredisposal #alamedacounty #delnortecounty, #humboldtcounty, #losangelescounty, #marincounty, #sandiegocounty #contracostacounty

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

Celebrating more than 55 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with more than 725,000 dues-paying members. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, fighting for their rights. The TowBoatUS® fleet is available 24/7 to assist our members on the water when boats break down or run aground with some 600 vessels and 300-plus locations across North America, bringing our members safely back to the launch ramp, marina or dock. On the road, we are The Boat Owners Auto Club™, helping ensure roadside trailer and tow vehicle breakdowns won’t slow you down. BoatUS offers GEICO boat insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and the superior service they need. Award-winning BoatUS Magazine is the largest circulation recreational marine publication in the U.S. with engaging content that speaks to the passion for boat ownership, while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers the nation’s only free online boating safety course and many other programs that keep boaters safe and our waters clean. Visit BoatUS.com.