Richmond, CA – West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (WCCIWMA) / RecycleMore is taking the lead in protecting local communities and the environment by hosting a free expired marine flare collection event from October 29 to November 8, 2025.
Recreational boaters residing in Richmond, El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole, San Pablo and unincorporated Contra Costa County (i.e. El Sobrante, North Richmond, Tara Hills, Rollingwood, East Richmond Heights, Bayview, Montalvin Manor) can safely dispose of expired flares at the West Contra Costa County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility at 101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801, from Wednesday – Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Proof of residency is required.
Boaters in California are required to carry U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals, such as pyrotechnic marine flares. These flares expire approximately every 42 months and become hazardous waste that must be handled carefully. However, safe disposal is often difficult and expensive, as flares are considered explosives.
To prevent improper disposal and reduce environmental risks, this special event provides a much needed and free disposal option. The event is open to recreational boaters who live in RecycleMore’s jurisdiction. Proof of residency will be required. Commercial flares and other hazardous waste will not be accepted.
Each year, an estimated 174,000 expired flares are generated by recreational boaters in California, yet no statewide permanent disposal program exists. Without proper options, flares are too often tossed in the trash or into waterways, posing serious safety and environmental hazards.
This regional event is part of a larger collaborative effort involving the California Product Stewardship Council, and the California State Parks & Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program. In addition to safe collection, the campaign raises awareness about safer, reusable alternatives like electronic visual distress signals.
By offering this temporary collection event, RecycleMore is helping set a statewide example in hazardous waste management and boater safety. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to responsibly dispose of expired marine flares.
For more information and other events, click here
