BOATERS WILL once again be able to drop off used, unneeded or aging nautical flares during three different collection sessions this year.

Ocean County's Boat Flare Disposal Program was honored with the Governor's Environmental Excellence Award in 2024, when more than 2,000 flares were dropped off and disposed of the right way, reducing any possible damage to the environment, said Frank Sadeghi, Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.

"This award speaks volumes about the cooperation we have among our county departments, many of which came together to create a program that has real and long-lasting benefits," Sadeghi said.

To date, more than 3,200 flares have been safely collected.

The program is a collaborative effort between Ocean County's Department of Solid Waste Management, the Ocean County Fire and First Aid Training Academy and the county Fire Marshal's Office.

It was initiated in response to public concerns about the safe disposal of marine flares while addressing the needs of over 25,000 boats registered in Ocean County, Sadeghi said.

This year, flares will be collected at the Fire and First Aid Training Academy, 200 Volunteer Way in Waretown.

The dates and time are:
• Wednesday, June 18 from 1 pm to 3 pm.
• Wednesday, August 20 from 1 pm to 3 pm.
• Wednesday, October 22 from 1 pm to 3pm.

Pre-registration is required. Register online at: www.co.ocean.nj.us/recycle or by phone at 732-506-5047. Only 200 slots are available per event date.

• Acceptable Materials Include: Red Hand-held, Parachute, Red Meteor, Orange Smoke Signals, and Floating Orange Smoke flares.

• Unacceptable Materials Include: Road Flares, Electronic Flares, Plastic Flare Launchers, and/or Other Explosives

The Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards has been New Jersey's premier environmental awards program since 2000.

Ocean County accepted the award for the new boat flare disposal program at a ceremony held in Trenton on Dec. 18, 2024.