Disposal of flares etc?

[DCatSea]

I have a fine collection of outdated Orion hand-held and 12 gauge flares that I need to dispose of safely. Local fire-dept., PD and waste disposal people want nothing to do with them, VFD at marina town said to save them for the 4th, but I assume they were joking.
There are too many to "keep onboard as standbys".
SO
What to do with the afore-mentioned explosives? Any ideas would be most welcome.
Thanks

[Ambler27FC]

West Marine will take them back.

[Nancy]

I don't think West Marine will take them.
Boat/US had an article about this not too long ago.
https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/ex ... he-horizon

[gmberkley]

The USCG or Auxiliary may take them, they do a lot of practice and drills which they maybe able to use them

[Ambler27FC]

I actually off-loaded all of my expired hand-held and projectiles this past year at the store. It might have been luck, but worth testing. It is an outrage if there is not an easy solution to this. Would have enjoyed firing everything off, but the Coast Guard has been busy enough the past few years.

[RobS]

My buddy is a Marine Bureau Police Officer and I had him aboard for a safety inspection this summer and when I showed him my current flares and a couple expired packs he promptly said "we" take these if you don't want to keep them all. I guess all jurisdictions have their own guidelines....

[DCatSea]

Yes, this seems to be a nationwide issue, where no one really knows to do with these explosive devices. I contacted our local hazardous materials disposal team and the first person I spoke to said: "Yes, we take them"; this was followed by a call from the Head of Section who said his colleague was mistaken and I should try West Marine or the Fire Department. The former said they don't take them now. and the latter said "yes", then after about 15 minutes: "No".
My next move is to contact Orion to see what they say. Should be mildly interesting. I'll keep all informed.

Have a safe and happy Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Festivus etc.

[REBMystic]

I have used the hand held ones to start fires in my backyard fire pit. Was good practice to get comfortable on how they work. Accidentally did one smoke!

[DCatSea]

Great idea. However, I was dumping glass and other recyclables at Alexandria VA Hazardous Waste drop-off and noticed a change of staff from miserable old long-tenured bloke to normal person, so I asked about flares etc. She said "bring 'em in" so I did, to everyone's satisfaction.
I may have to pay my respects at Xmas.

SO - It might be worth checking out the Hazardous Waste guys in your locale, and if they seem reasonable - ask 'em. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Ref: Setting off smokes in error, many years ago I accidently fired off a large powder extinguisher on deck in a fairly snooty marina in Southhampton UK. The locals were not terribly impressed (Old Boy).

[Mike]

A little late on the reply but the Eastport yacht club was taking them in to use as a teaching tool for young mariners. Showing them how to use them .

[DCatSea]

Great use of them. You would (wouldn't?) be surprised to find out that most people on boats have:
a) never fired off a flare or handheld.
b) never let rip with a fire extinguisher.
c) done a man-overboard drill.
d) gone overboard with a PFD on.