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The expired flares collection program provides the boating community with an opportunity to safely dispose of their out of date flares.

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The mobile collection program visits sites across the state during the peak boating season. The schedule includes collections in November, January and April.

What to do with expired flares

Most flares have a use-by date of 3 years and they must be replaced before the expiry date. Flares contain explosive matter which makes safe and legal disposal difficult.

You can use the below search tool to find your nearest collection.

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 flares collection sites

Collections for the 2024/25 boating season are now complete. Dates and locations for the 2025/26 collections will be available here when they are confirmed (approximately September 2025).

Related information

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