r/hazmat • u/Fun-Wedding-9472 • Jul 03 '25

Training/Tactics/Education How do I dispose of road flares?

I have some road flares that are at least 20 years old that I am looking to dispose of. I tried to drop them off at my local landfill at the hazmat office, but was advised that they weren’t able to take them there. The manufacturer of the road flares says to contact my local fire department. I just spoke with my local fire department hazmat team and they stated that they don’t give hazmat advice, they just respond to hazmat emergencies and he wasn’t sure about how to dispose of road flair safely either.

I would really like to get rid of these as I have some young toddlers who are getting into everything. Would like to do so without blowing off my arm or someone else’s arm. Any advice? Much appreciated.

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u/ref498 Jul 03 '25

Look up your local household hazardous waste facility. Either city or county. If you don't have one, light em' up and watch em' burn.

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u/Shad3m3d1c Jul 04 '25

Most HHW facilities do not take road flares. They are considered 4.1 (Flamable Solids) and 1.4G (Explosives, Ground). Most HHWs won't touch them due to the explosive components.

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u/ref498 Jul 04 '25

Oh interesting, we took them in Washington, placarded as spontaneously combustible if I remember correctly.