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Senate committee hears SB 561 to create producer-funded disposal program for expired marine distress flares
Summary
SB 561 would create an extended producer responsibility program to collect and dispose of expired pyrotechnic marine flares. Supporters said current disposal options are scarce and costly; manufacturers and boating groups cautioned the program could raise costs and reduce access to effective safety devices.
The Senate Judiciary subcommittee heard SB 561 (author: Senator Blake Spear), a bill proposing an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for pyrotechnic marine flares and other approved emergency distress signals.
Supporters, including environmental and local-government groups, said expired, reactive flares are hazardous waste and are difficult for local jurisdictions to accept safely. Senator Blake Spear said expired flares are classified as hazardous waste and often cannot be disposed of locally; he cited pilot events in Alameda County that achieved collection costs as low as approximately $10.55 per flare.…
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