Disposal facility for unwanted flares opens

The new facility will safely deal with unwanted marine flares

A facility enabling people to safely dispose of old or unwanted marine flares has opened.

Cowes Harbour Commission is making available a year-round drop-off service at the Kingston Boatyard and Shepards Marina offices in Cowes.

Isle of Wight Council said the 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, called its introduction a "very welcome move" which would "help prevent accidents and protect both people and the environment".

She said: "Under no circumstances can flares be disposed of in either the kerbside service or at the household waste recycling centres.

"This is because flares are highly flammable and have caused fires at our waste treatment sites, damaging equipment and putting our operatives at risk."

She said safety was the authority's "top priority".

Cowes Harbour Commission is making available a year-round drop-off service

Flare owners are responsible for them until they are properly disposed of.

The new service is open to all members of the public, regardless of whether they have an Isle of Wight address, and there is no limit on the number of flares that can be dropped off. A disposal fee will apply.

There is no other facility of its kind on the island.

Jennie Smith, deputy harbour master at Cowes Harbour Commission, said: "Since HM Coastguard stopped accepting time expired pyrotechnics (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...

"Cowes Harbour Commission is committed to ensuring the safety of the harbour for everyone, and the protection of the marine environment."