Disposing of expired marine flares
The expired flares collection program provides the boating community with an opportunity to safely dispose of their out-of-date flares.
Under the Marine Safety Regulation 2016 (NSW), vessels operating in open waters are legally required to carry 2 red hand flares and 2 orange smoke flares as part of their mandatory safety equipment. These flares must be:
- within their expiry date
- in good condition
- stored in a sealed, waterproof, and accessible container
It is an offence to ignite flares outside of an emergency, and expired flares must not be discarded in household waste or public bins.
What to do with expired flares
Marine flares typically have a shelf life of three years and must be replaced before their expiry date. As flares contain explosive material, their disposal is subject to strict safety and legal requirements.
Marine flares are classified as Class 1.4G explosives under the UN system adopted by SafeWork NSW. Once expired, they are considered unauthorised explosives.
Quantities exceeding 10 kilograms Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ) may attract additional obligations under the Australian Explosives Code and require a SafeWork NSW licence and security clearance for lawful possession, transport, and disposal.
It is the responsibility of the holder to ensure compliance with all applicable legislation.
We recommend consulting the NSW Explosives Regulation, the Australian Explosives Code, or seeking advice from SafeWork NSW or a licensed explosives professional to determine the safest and most lawful approach.
Setting off marine flares
Flares signal that you are in trouble and provide an exact location for searching aircraft or vessels. It is an offence to set off flares except in an emergency.
More information about flares.
Expired marine flare collections
Expired flare collection interactive map
Use our interactive map to locate expired flare collection sites across NSW, including dates and times to help plan your visit.
The mobile collection program operates 3 statewide collection rounds during peak boating season (i.e. November, January, and April) visiting 50 designated sites across NSW.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Maritime delivers the Expired Flare Collection Program to support public safety and meet regulatory obligations. This program provides the boating community with a safe, legal, and accessible way to dispose of expired or unwanted marine flares.
Delivered in collaboration with a licensed contractor, the program complies with strict transport, handling, and disposal requirements under the Australian Explosives Code.
Expired flare collection schedules
The first round of the 2025/26 Expired Marine Flare Collection Program begins in November 2025. Dates and locations are provided in the schedule and on our interactive map. Details for subsequent rounds will be published on this website once confirmed.
Round 1, November 2025 Schedule PDF
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***Important note: Dates, times, and locations listed in the Expired Marine Flare Collection Program schedule are subject to change without notice due to operational or safety considerations.
While we strive to keep all information current, we strongly recommend checking the schedule on this website prior to attending any collection event to confirm that the time and location have not changed.