The coastguard station in Stornoway has arranged a marine flares’ “amnesty.”
A drop-
The types of pyrotechnics which can be handed in are para flares, handheld flares, handheld smoke, Lifesmokes, smoke generators, man overboard markers, Speedlines, maroons, mini flare packs and signal pistol cartridges.
Flares from commercial organisations or fishing boats cannot be accepted -
Since 2005 it has been an offence to dump pyrotechnics in household rubbish, garden waste or public litter bins as they can cause extensive damage to refuse collection facilities and may injure persons who come into contact with them.
It is also unlawful to dump them at sea or set them off either for practice or as fireworks.
Neither should they be abandoned at coastguard, RNLI or police stations as they may be picked up by children who could be seriously injured or killed as a result.
Ultimately, the responsibility for the safe disposal of expired flares rests with their owner.
Collection day for expired flares
16 August 2018