In response to growing public concern over the proper disposal of expired marine flares, the Lakewood Fire Department, in coordination with Ocean County Solid Waste Management, the Ocean County Fire Academy, and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, has announced a new initiative: the 2025 Boat Flare Disposal Program.
This vital safety program offers boaters a safe and legal way to dispose of outdated or unused marine flares—materials that are otherwise difficult to get rid of. Traditionally, residents have been directed to local fire departments or the Coast Guard for disposal, but those options are no longer viable.
The disposal events will take place on the following dates:
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Tuesday, June 18
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Tuesday, August 20
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Tuesday, October 22
Each event will run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Ocean County Fire Academy, located at 200 Volunteer Way, Waretown, NJ. Registration is required and can be completed online at:
www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/SolidWaste/frmBoatFlareDisposal.aspx
Accepted flare types include:
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Red hand-held flares
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Parachute flares
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Red meteor flares
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Orange smoke signals
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Floating orange smoke devices
Items that will NOT be accepted:
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Road flares
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Electronic flares
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Plastic flare launchers
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Any other explosives
