Disposal of Outdated Pyrotechnics

Ross · Apr 22, 2009

This question has come up each year and I always suggest July 4th as fireworks. As long as you are far from the water and don't set the woods on fire you will be alright. Failing that your local fire house will take them.

Jumpstart · Apr 22, 2009

Don't set them off over land unless the ground is wet or has snow on it. I shot mine off several years ago on new years eve. I was shocked to see the flares hit the ground still burning. Fortunately with snow on the ground no problem. Repeat don't set these off anywhere where there might be a fire danger.

Ross · Apr 22, 2009

As I said if you don't set the woods on fire.................................

Scott B · Apr 22, 2009

This question comes up from time to time with no definitive answer. I Google searched and searched USCG site. All I could find was that no one really wants to deal with them anymore, that the Boating Safety Advisory council are looking into the problem, and Orion ( largest manufacturer of flares) doesn't know how to have them collected easily for disposal and some Police take them ??

USCG have reported many false call-outs for firing off flares in non-emergency situations and costing much $$$$.

I do know in Canada it is illegal to fire them off unless in emergency and carries a hefty fine. Collection is scarse and one Chandlery in Toronto area has someone come once a year to collect and safely dispose.

Alan K · Apr 22, 2009

I drill a 1/4" hole in the side with a low speed drill and let 'em sit in a bucket of water for a week. Them dump them in the trash.

MoonSailer · Apr 22, 2009

You will be surprised to see that they are not so bright and don't go as high as typical fireworks. Unless you are on the water I doubt that anyone will notice. The last surplus ones I had I set off on the 4th of July. I was a little embarassed as they were really lame compared to my neighbor's fireworks.

petersea · Apr 22, 2009

If your town has a "haz-mat' day you may be able to dispose of them then. i would suggest that you never fire a flare off unless it is a emergency or a prearranged training event where proper authorities have been notified. Some are sponsored by the Coast Guard or Power Squadron or similar organization. The fact if someone who see the flare going off does not know it is not an emergency may (happens more often then you think) call authorities notifying them of an emergency ! These flares can be spotted for miles in many cases !

Hermit Scott · Apr 22, 2009

Fire it into the water or at a friend as a joke. Povided they are fireproof of course.

If you have 30 or more, you can strap them to your chest and be a terrorist for halloween.

sailingdog · Apr 22, 2009

Check with your local fire department. They often use flares in their training. BTW, SOLAS grade flares are often good for up to TEN years or more. That is generally not the case with USCG grade flares.

Ron20324 · Apr 22, 2009

Contact a local sailing club who can use them or may know of a use. Local authorities do not want them. My club gathers outdated flares and once a year has a "flare shoot day" at waters edge. Yes, we contact the authorities beforehand. You'd be surprised how old some flares can be and still function. We've never had any mishaps from them. Otherwise, I don't see why you couldn't ignite them and just drop them in a hole.

higgs · Apr 22, 2009

Your police department will take them. It is a good idea to call first.

MKirk51 · Apr 23, 2009

I've used them to start campfires. If you're not into that, and if they're self-contained, i.e. not the type that needs the pistol, your can give them to your camping friends.

MoonSailer · Apr 23, 2009

A lot depends upon where you live. I live out away from town in a Southern state where things are a lot more laid back than up in the Northeast. Obviously I would not shoot off a flare if there was a fire hazard. Last time there was a light rain and it had been raining all day. Very little risk of starting a fire. I also set them off on the fourth of July. Fireworks are legal in Alabama and there were fireworks visable in most directions . But in a city in a state where fireworks are illegal disposal would be problematic. I recommend not putting them into water...who knows what all is in the things that might kill fish??

It was helpfull to fire the flares. My wife had never shot a flare gun and more importantly we noted how low and dim the flares appeared. This made us know to follow the recommendation that you NOT FIRE your flares until you see possible rescuers!!!!!! If you just randomly set off flares it is highly unlikely that a rescuer will see them.

Ron20324 · Apr 23, 2009

MoonSailer said:
It was helpfull to fire the flares. My wife had never shot a flare gun and more importantly we noted how low and dim the flares appeared. This made us know to follow the recommendation that you NOT FIRE your flares until you see possible rescuers!!!!!! If you just randomly set off flares it is highly unlikely that a rescuer will see them.

Being able to fire the 12 guage made me realize how piddly they are. I'll be watching for a 25mm gun that's a good price.

kloudie1 · Apr 23, 2009

Hermit Scott, Yep, there was that Dauphin Island Race in Mobile Bay back in the 80’s.. At about 2 Am, in the harbor, the expired flares were disposed of by firing .. The whole fleet participated.. It was not considered “sporting” to fire at a boat but rather lob it up so it landed close.. There may have been rum involved.
Many of the 25 gauge guns have a sleeve adapter for the 12 gauge flares so the gun can fire both types. The rocket launched flares are very good too. They typically go higher and have a longer burn time. Practical Sailor tested lots of different ones several years back; if I remember correctly, the rockets were a lot better than the 12 ga ones.