Disposal of expired flares

[spartacus]

Was out on Sunday from Stonehaven and met the RNLI inshore crew just back from a training run. Flagged them over in the outer harbour as I wanted to know if they would accept expired flares.

No, speak to the coastguard was their response. Now I get it's probably a liability thing, based on the volume and condition of the flares, but after reading the MCA's site - they say to go to the original provider of the flares as they have limited capacity to store them too. In my case - I bought them in Stornoway, and didn't have the expired ones when I bought the new ones, so that's not entirely practical until I'm back later in the year.

The flares are a mix of parachute, red hand flares and orange smokes.

Good opportunity to get a close up of the Atlantic RIB.

What's everyone's experience of getting rid of these things?

[Poly]

When I buy new ones my chandler takes the old ones, I think he charges me 1.50 each for the privilege. That's cheaper than the fuel for driving to the official CG site. It's not as difficult as everyone in the yachting press make out.

[jambo]

Agree with Poly but maybe that's because my local coasties are the official 'dump'.

[Pikey Dave]

Being at least 60 miles from my "local" chandler (and the sea) I previously disposed of expired flares in the time honoured way..5/11. I'm now pyro free.

[willk]

Originally Posted by spartacus

What's everyone's experience of getting rid of these things?

Have you tried your local fitba Supporter's Club?

[allroad4]

My last lot of flares were disposed of at Poole RNLI HQ less than 2 years ago. I handed them in at the security gate house and gave them a £10 donation. Perhaps things have changed now?

[Hf500]

Flares contain 'explosive materials' and can only be disposed of and made safe by suitably licensed professionals. There is a cost involved. There can also be a risk in storing them depending on condition. It is therefore not the responsibility of the RNLI or Coastguard to dispose of people's flares. It was common practice years ago but has long since stopped officially. Most suppliers will accept old flares when purchasing new ones or accept old ones with a charge. I'd call your local chandler.
£1.50 ( as Poly says ) isn't that much for disposing of a pyrotechnic. Probably around £10 for most packs

[jambo]

Never had any trouble with CG as long as you phone first[emoji106]

[Hf500]

Originally Posted by jambo

Never had any trouble with CG as long as you phone first[emoji106]

Result ! They won't entertain it in this part of the world

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Hf500

Result ! They won't entertain it in this part of the world

Yes that's because they are not a designated station.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by jambo

Yes that's because they are not a designated station.

Here's the list.
• Shetland MRCC Tel: 01595 692 976
• Stornoway MRCC Tel: 01851 702 013
• Belfast MRCC Tel: 02891 463 933
• Liverpool MRCC Tel: 0151 931 3341
• Holyhead MRCC Tel: 01407 762 051
• Milford Haven MRCC Tel: 01646 690 909
• Falmouth MRCC Tel: 01326 310 800
• Brixham MRCC Tel: 01803 882 704
• Poole RNLI HQ Tel: 01202 336 336
• Solent MRCC Tel: 02392 552 100
• Dover MRCC Tel: 01304 218 500
• Thames MRCC Tel: 01255 675 518
• Humber MRCC Tel: 01262 672 317
• North Norfolk Sector Base Tel: 01493 851 338
• St Andrews Sector Base Tel: 01333 450 666
• Inverness Sector Base Tel: 01224 592 334
• Cruden Bay CG Tel: 01224 592 334
• Girvan CG Tel: 01475 729 988

So mine is the nearest for you.

[Hf500]

Thank you good sir :o)

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Hf500

Thank you good sir :o)

No problem [emoji106]

[breezeblock]

bonfire night ? and flog them as special fireworks

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by breezeblock

bonfire night ? and flog them as special fireworks

+1 done it for years

[paintman]

Neighbours not overly keen on orange smoke......

[kerny]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

+1 done it for years

Originally Posted by paintman

Neighbours not overly keen on orange smoke......

Wait until they hang their washing out :thumbup:

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by paintman

Neighbours not overly keen on orange smoke......

Chuck em in the bonfire smoke goes up with the heat

[willk]

I've happily used handheld "reds" around the garden - orange smokes too, but they are a nuisance if the wind blows towards other houses. I've popped a couple of parachute flares and I wouldn't do it again!

[paintman]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Chuck em in the bonfire smoke goes up with the heat

Ah. Bonfire. Knew I was going wrong somewhere