CALIFORNIA58 | PUBLIC SAFETY & WATERWAYS | October 18, 2026. Recreational boaters holding expired marine distress flares have an opportunity to dispose of them safely this month instead of leaving them aboard or putting them in household trash. California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways announced on October 15 a series of free collection events in multiple California regions, with the busiest weekend scheduled for October 24–25, 2026.

Important restriction: These drop-offs are for eligible residents and boaters who live in or keep boats in the participating areas. Organizers may require proof of residency, boat registration or berth, and some collection sites require advance appointments. Do not treat the events as a statewide walk-in service for anyone.

Southern California — Saturday, October 24

  • Huntington Beach, Orange County: Sunset Aquatic Marina, 2901 Edinger Avenue, 7 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • San Diego: Shelter Island Boat Ramp, 2210 Shelter Island Drive, 8 a.m.–noon.
  • Oxnard, Ventura County: Channel Islands Harbor parking lot, 3850 Harbor Boulevard, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Follow event signs for the designated drop-off location.

Northern California — October 14–25

  • Richmond, West Contra Costa County: household hazardous waste facility, 101 Pittsburg Avenue, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. from October 14 through October 24. Eligibility is restricted to specified local jurisdictions, so read the organizer’s flyer.
  • Alameda County: Sunday, October 25, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; appointment required through StopWaste. The location is provided after registration.
  • Sausalito, Marin County: Clipper Yacht Harbor, 310 Harbor Drive, Sunday, October 25, 8 a.m.–noon.
  • Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz Harbor Maintenance Yard, 425 Brommer Street, Sunday, October 25, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County: Pillar Point Harbor, 1 Johnson Pier, Sunday, October 25, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; appointment required through San Mateo County Environmental Health or by phone at 650-372-6200. The agency limits eligibility to local residents, boaters berthed in the county and qualifying small commercial operators.

Why flares require special handling

The state announcement says traditional pyrotechnic marine flares generally expire after approximately 42 months, after which they become hazardous waste. State officials estimate that recreational boaters in California generate around 174,000 expired flares annually. Do not toss old flares in the trash, fire them off for disposal or put them into waterways. Misusing a distress signal can create a safety emergency and may violate applicable law.

Boaters are responsible for meeting U.S. Coast Guard visual-distress-signal rules applicable to their vessels and operations. The free collection events focus on disposing of expired items; taking a flare to an event does not provide a replacement required safety device. Officials will also explain reusable electronic visual distress signal options that may qualify when properly approved and used.

What to check before leaving home

First, confirm that your county or berth location is eligible. Second, check the hours and appointment rules. Third, consult the event flyer or local organizer for the allowed flare types and handling instructions; do not make assumptions about marine explosives or unrelated household hazardous waste. Finally, use the official state announcement to confirm whether an event was rescheduled before driving.

Primary source: California State Parks, October 15, 2026 — Multiple California Regions to Host Free Marine Flare Collection Events. More information about marine-flare alternatives and waste management is available through California Division of Boating and Waterways.

Editorial note: This is an event guide, not confirmation of real-time availability or capacity. Check the responsible local agency directly before transporting hazardous items to a collection point. No collection is assumed outside posted event hours.

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