Your flares are out of date - no not you Travolta!

Published on 29 May 2022

Macleay boat owners will once again be able to safely dispose of their expired marine flares at the temporary collection point on Sunday 5 June in South West Rocks.

Maritime law requires boat owners to carry flares which, when activated, release an ongoing smoke signal that can be seen from a long distance. Most flares have a use-by date of three years and under law must be replaced before the expiry date.

Kempsey Shire Council’s Coordinator Waste Services, Maria Doherty, encouraged Kempsey’s boaties to take advantage of the Roads and Maritime Services’ free disposal service.

“Marine flares can be difficult to safely dispose of as they cannot go in kerbside bins and council cannot accept, store or dispose of them at any of our waste facilities,” said Ms Doherty.

“It’s dangerous to needlessly store or carelessly dispose of marine flares as they can cause fire risks within our community.”

“Disposing of out-of-date flares in a safe manner is essential to avoid any injury from unintended or deliberate ignition in a non-emergency situation.”

Collections will be undertaken at Mattys Flat Boat Ramp at New Entrance Road, South West Rocks from 11am - 1pm Sunday 5 June 2022.  

Ms Doherty said the mobile collection is a great opportunity to check the expiry dates on flares and dispose of any that are unsafe to keep for marine emergencies.

For more information on the marine flares collection schedule or marine regulations visit the RMS website