New Flare Disposal Facility to Open at Cowes Harbour

Isle of Wight Council is pleased to welcome the opening of a new flare disposal facility at Cowes Harbour.

Cowes Harbour Commission’s new facility will offer a safe and convenient way for people to drop off old or unwanted marine flares. Individuals remain responsible for their flares until they are properly and safely disposed of.

The year-round drop-off service is available during normal opening hours at both Kingston Boatyard and Shepards Marina offices in Cowes. A disposal fee will apply.

Unlike previous amnesties, this new facility is open to all members of the public, regardless of whether they have an Isle of Wight address, and there is no limit to the number of flares that can be dropped off. All collected time expired pyrotechnics (TEPs) will be safely and responsibly transported to Ocean Safety for proper disposal.

With no other reception facility of its kind currently available on the Island, this service fills a critical gap and ensures that boat owners have a safe, reliable and compliant way to dispose of expired flares.

Natasha Dix, Service Director in Waste, Environment and Planning at the Isle of Wight Council, said: “The introduction of this facility by Cowes Harbour Commission is a very welcome move. It will give the public a safe and easy way to dispose of old flares. Under no circumstances can flares be disposed of in either the kerbside service or at the HWRCs.

This is because flares are highly flammable and have caused fires at our waste treatment sites, damaging equipment and putting our operatives at risk. Safety is our top priority. This new facility will help prevent accidents and protect both people and the environment.”

Jennie Smith, Deputy Harbour Master, Cowes Harbour Commission, said: “Since HM Coastguard stopped accepting TEPs for disposal, there has been a gap in services for customers on the island wishing to dispose of them safely. To help bridge this gap, and building on previous TEP amnesties, Cowes Harbour Commission is excited to launch the islands first and only TEP reception facility from Friday 24 October. Cowes Harbour Commission is committed to ensuring the safety of the harbour for everyone, and the protection of the marine environment”.

The council reminds residents and visitors that flares must be handled with great care.

You should never:

• Fire a flare unless it is a real emergency.
• Use flares that are expired or damaged.
• Dump or discard flares on land or at sea.
• Put flares in household bins, garden waste, or recycling centres.
• Abandon flares or hand them to someone who is not licensed or trained to store them.

Further information on the safe disposal of marine flares via Cowes Harbour Commission is available by visiting Harbour Authority & Marine Services Provider | Cowes or by calling (01983) 293952.