How to safely dispose of an old hand held flare ?

[Toddy]

.....and no, I don't mean the Scottish floor type, frocks or bellbottoms

Long story, but I have an old pinpoint red flare, with a replace date of 1999
I knew it had been kicking around for a while, but not just how long a while

Anyway; how can I dispose of it safely without causing grief ?

M

 

[sandbender]

Well if I was still fourteen I'd suggest that you take a hacksaw to it to see all the cool stuff inside, however once my dad had whacked me across the back of my head I'd see the error of my ways (yes this really did happen).

 

[boatman]

In England the Coastguard should be able to help so I suppose its the same in Scotland. http://www.safety-marine.co.uk/spages/Expired-Distress-Flares-what-should-you-do.htm

 

[grumit]

Police station in guernsey

 

[bilmo-p5]

Ring your local fire station, Mary. They will advise.

 

[John Fenna]

Take it to your local coastguard or RLNI station.
I once had to hand in a flare with a damaged cover and was told to take it to the local Police firearms boyos.
The receptionist at Carmarthen Police Station was a little concerned and asked me to wait outside when I replied to her question "Where is this flare with a broken triggering mechanism?" with "Here - in my pocket".
I had secured a safe and secure cover over the firing mechanism and it was safer than when I bought it!
Normally I would not carry flares in my pocket but the local Police could have been a bit nervous of a guy with a prominent nose, with a beard, carrying a rucksack that contained explosives... so I went in with both hands empty...
The firearms bloke just put it in and old tin ammo box and thanked me for not just dumping it

 

[Macaroon]

I think there are 18 coastguard stations that have the facilities to handle out of date flares, and I'm told by a friend who disposed of some about 15 yrs ago that the police took care of it for him; I somehow doubt if they would now, eh? ............but it's only a 'phone call..................You'd imagine the TA or Army Ordnance Corps would treat it as a training excercise, but perhaps I'm dreaming............atb mac

 

[Seagull]

Options to try;
Your nearest MRCC may be able to give you a heads up on local disposal.
You could try the local Police or the nearest Coastguard.
You could even try the local supplier of that sort of flare, some of 'em have a take-it back deal.
Of course the big hiccup, is that they( timexpyros) are classed as hazardous goods, not hazardous waste, so the local cleansing usually don't want to know.
Rgds
Ceeg

 

[Paul_B]

The schoolboy that's still part of me wonders whether there's a way of launching it. Why a date? Do they really "go off" or is it just the manufacturer playing safe?

 

[Toddy]

The schoolboy that's still part of me wonders whether there's a way of launching it. Why a date? Do they really "go off" or is it just the manufacturer playing safe?

You just had to say it, didn't you ?

See the temptation to pull the blooming thing

It looks in perfect nick, and it's one that you just hold in the hand too.

I'm going to be good and resist temptation .... knowing my luck I'd get an armed response unit and the polis chopper hovering overhead

M

 

[Dunx]

Fair play ... I wouldnt of resisted it

 

[Dogoak]

Many moons ago I place I worked at disposed of hand helds on firework night. Loads & loads of smoke and kids loved watching them bubbling when they were put into a large container of water and amazed that they were still going after being taken out.
Not sure what the current guidelines are but as above, the coastguard should be able to advise.

 

[MartinK9]

I'm going to be good and resist temptation .... chopper hovering overhead

M

24 years ago. Been there .... done that

 

[ph5172]

Im sorry but i would have to set it off (obviously not near the coast!!!) can you not put it up for fireworks night?

 

[Trencakey]

I let one off in my fireplace,was'nt half bright !! I'd be tempted to let it off under an upturned dustbin ?

 

[resnikov]

Let it off then quickly drop it in a bucket of water

If you do don't forget to film it

 

[Bowlander]

Wait until New Year/Bonfire night and then let it off, no one will notice!

I once found a pen flare and set it off horizontally - not a wise move with dry grass about!

 

[mountainm]

I would've thought the best before date is a precaution against it not going off so you don't rely on it at sea or in an emergency? So it'll either work or it won't.

 

[demographic]

Hell, I'd make sure I wasn't anywhere the coastguard would worry about and set it off.
There's a part of me (the devil on my left shoulder can totally kick the crap out of the angel on my right) that would have to have a go with one of those, just because.

Remember kids, fireworks and fun and totally safe.

 

[boatman]

If it has developed a fault and you tried to let it off it could be dangerous from a hangfire. Quench it if you had to with sand not water, as they did with German firebombs. Don't upset the applecart as at the moment I can just buy flares from a Chandlers and do not want permits etc. brought in.