San Mateo County, CA
10/23/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/23/2026 09:38
Free Marine Flare Disposal Day Comes to Pillar Point Harbor Oct. 25
Appointment-only event offers eligible San Mateo County residents and boaters a safe, no-cost way to dispose of unwanted marine flares
October 23, 2026
SAN MATEO, Calif. - The San Mateo County Harbor District is hosting a free marine flare collection event in partnership with San Mateo County Environmental Health Services on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pillar Point Harbor, 1 Johnson Pier, in Half Moon Bay.
The event is by appointment only. It gives local boaters and residents a safe, no-cost way to dispose of marine flares they no longer need.
According to California State Parks' Division of Boating and Waterways, expired marine flares must be disposed of at a hazardous waste facility permitted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to manage explosives. Because no facility in California is permitted to accept these flares, the Harbor District is funding a contractor to transport the flares collected at the event to an approved out-of-state facility for disposal.
Who can participate
The event is open only to:
- San Mateo County residents
- Boaters who berth in San Mateo County
- San Mateo County commercial boaters who generate less than 100 kg of hazardous waste per month
Participants must provide proof of residency, boat berth or business address in San Mateo County.
What will be accepted
Hand-held, aerial and smoke signal flares will be accepted. Road, electronic and military flares will not be accepted, and no other types of hazardous waste will be collected at this event.
How to make an appointment
Appointments are required. Book online at smchealth.org/hhw or call (650) 372-6200. Event details are also posted on the San Mateo County Health events page.
"Marine flares are made to burn hot and bright, which is exactly why they shouldn't end up in the trash," said Liliana Mejia, deputy director of Environmental Health Services. "This event gives boaters a free, simple way to dispose of flares they no longer need. Book an appointment, bring proof of residency, berth or business address, and we'll handle the rest."
Media Contact
Preston Merchant
Director of Communications
San Mateo County Health
650-542-1988
[email protected]
San Mateo County, CA published this content on October 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 23, 2026 at 15:38 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]