Orange County boaters can properly dispose of expired marine flares at a collection event scheduled for August 16 at Dana Point Harbor. (credit: Vivian Matuk, California State Parks and California Coastal Commission)
Download hi-res photo

DANA POINT, Calif., August 4, 2025 – Marine flares are required to be carried aboard recreational boats for emergency signaling. However, because they expire every 36 to 42 months after manufacture, they need to be replaced about every three seasons of boating. An estimated 174,000 expired pyrotechnic marine flares are generated each year in California based on 2011 data.

Once again this year, recreational boaters who live in or berth their vessel in Orange County can safely dispose of expired flares at the upcoming free marine flare collection event Saturday, August 16, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dana Point Harbor, 24650 Dana Point Harbor Road.

“With the large number of outdated and unwanted flares generated annually, there is a strong need for public education and awareness about good disposal options,” said Vivian Matuk, environmental boating program manager with the California State Parks and California Coastal Commission.

Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) is urging boaters to take advantage of this important event that addresses the on-going challenge of how to properly dispose of this out-of-date safety equipment.

Participants do not need to preregister. In addition to the expired flare drop-off, OC Waste & Recycling will be joined by OC Health Care Agency offering a free bilge pad exchange. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will also be distributing California Boater Kits, boater safety information and e-flare discount coupons while supplies last.

The event is offered by OC Waste & Recycling in partnership with the City of Dana Point, Katrina Foley of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, The Marina at Dana Point, the California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission and is funded by Cal Recycle.

For more information about expired marine flares, visit dbw.parks.ca.gov/marineflares and the Dockside Podcast.

###

Suggested social media post:

Orange County residents and boaters can drop off expired marine flares from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, at Marine Flare Collection Event at Dana Point Harbor  https://bit.ly/46Gqhwt  @BoatUS @CalRecycle @Boat_California @TheCaliforniaCoast #MarineSafety #OCwaste #DanaPointHarbor #BoatingSafety #FlareDisposal

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

Celebrating more than 55 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with more than 740,000 dues-paying members. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, fighting for their rights. The TowBoatUS^® fleet is available 24/7 to assist our members on the water when boats break down or run aground with some 660 vessels and 330-plus locations across North America, bringing our members safely back to the launch ramp, marina or dock. On the road, we are The Boat Owners Auto Club™, helping ensure roadside trailer and tow vehicle breakdowns won’t slow you down. BoatUS offers GEICO boat insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and the superior service they need. Award-winning BoatUS Magazine is the largest circulation recreational marine publication in the U.S. with engaging content that speaks to the passion for boat ownership, while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers the nation’s only free online boating safety course and many other programs that keep boaters safe and our waters clean. Visit BoatUS.com.