Half Moon Bay Marine Flare Collection Tackles Disposal Problem

HALF MOON BAY, CA — San Mateo County boaters had an opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous marine flares Sunday during a free collection event at Pillar Point Harbor.

The San Mateo County Harbor District partnered with San Mateo County Environmental Health Services to organize the appointment-only collection, according to a county news release.

California has no permitted facilities to accept them, so the Harbor District funded a contractor to transport collected flares to an approved out-of-state disposal facility, according to California State Parks' Division of Boating and Waterways.

“Marine flares are made to burn hot and bright, which is exactly why they shouldn't end up in the trash,” Liliana Mejia, deputy director of Environmental Health Services, said in the release.

According to California State Parks, recreational boaters generate an estimated 174,000 expired marine flares annually. The state has no permanent statewide disposal program.

The collection was scheduled for Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pillar Point Harbor, 1 Johnson Pier.

Eligible participants included San Mateo County residents, boaters who berth in the county and commercial boaters generating less than 100 kilograms of hazardous waste per month.

Appointments and proof of residency, boat berth or business address were required.

Organizers planned to accept handheld, aerial and smoke signal flares. Road, electronic and military flares and other hazardous waste were excluded.

Residents seeking information about safe marine flare disposal can visit California State Parks' marine flare resources.