MidCoast boaties can dispose of expired marine flares at Crowdy Head, Tuncurry and Tea Gardens this April.
Flares contain hazardous materials that must be disposed of correctly. They cannot be placed in any waste bin.
Transport for NSW provides a safe, free and convenient disposal program for expired flares.
Collection points in April are:
Crowdy Head Boat Ramp, Crowdy Head Road, Crowdy Head, Monday 10 April, 11am – 1pm
Tuncurry Boat Ramp, Point Road, Tuncurry (Opposite Vincent Fazio Park), Monday 10 April, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Tea Gardens Boat Ramp, Marine Drive, Tea Gardens (Opposite Tea Gardens Swimming Pool), Wednesday 12 April, 7:30am – 10am
Marine flares are used in boating emergencies as a signal for help, and to assist with establishing a vessel’s location. Most have an expiry date of three years from manufacture and need to be replaced. Penalties apply if flares are not replaced within their expiry period. It is also an offence to set off flares except in the case of an emergency
“Flares must not be placed in any waste bin,” explained David Rees, MidCoast Council’s Waste Services Manager.
“They are highly flammable and can cause injury, fire and damage to property. Flares are also hazardous for the environment if they end up in our landfill.
“That’s why it’s important to take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of them correctly.”
