By Isle of Wight Observer
Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) has launched the Island’s first approved Time Expired Pyrotechnic (TEP) Reception Facility, offering a year-round, safe and convenient way for boat owners to dispose of out-of-date flares.
The facility builds on the success of CHC’s previous flare amnesties, and supports safety and environmental responsibility across the maritime community. The service is open to all customers, not just Island residents, and all collected pyrotechnics will be transported for safe and compliant disposal by authorised contractors.
Expired flares can be dropped off for a small fee to help cover the cost of running the service. Shepard’s Marina will accept TEPs seven days a week between 9am and 5pm, while Kingston Boatyard will take items from Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm.
The service will operate throughout the year, excluding the Christmas period, and there is no limit to the number of flares that can be handed in.
Full details, including fees and safety guidance, are available via iw.observer/chc. Since HM Coastguard ceased accepting expired TEPs, local disposal options have been limited, leaving many boat owners unsure of how to manage these hazardous items.
CHC hopes the new service will prevent unsafe practices, such as flares being put in household waste, taken to recycling centres, or discarded at sea. Gary Hall, chief executive of CHC, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to maintaining high safety and environmental standards. He encouraged boat owners, visitors and marine-users to make use of the service and ensure dangerous items are disposed of properly.
Isle of Wight Observer