OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) is hosting a one-day collection event for boaters and residents to dispose of marine flares free of charge. The drive-through event will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, at 24650 Dana Point Harbor in Dana Point. Unexploded, expired flares are considered explosives requiring special handling for disposal. Boat owners are encouraged to participate in this convenient public service event as part of their summer boating season checklist.
Participants must transport expired flares in vehicle trunks. Upon arrival, staff will collect items directly from vehicles for safe disposal. A separate walk-up disposal area will be offered.
鈥淩esponsible disposal of expired marine flares keeps hazardous waste out of our landfills and waterways, protecting sensitive coastal ecosystems,鈥� said Tom Koutroulis, director, OC Waste & Recycling. 鈥淢arine flares are to be used in the case of an emergency, and we are proud to partner with our community to safeguard our coastlines to ensure proper disposal, so they don鈥檛 create an emergency,鈥� he added.
This is a marine flare disposal event only. Electronic flares, military flares, and any other hazardous waste such as paint, oil, e-waste, or batteries will not be accepted.