Disposing of out-of-date EPIRBS and PLBs needs to be handled correctly.

EPIRBS and PLBs are clever pieces of equipment that use lithium batteries and need to be disposed of correctly. They can also be inadvertently activated when beacons are disposed of by being thrown in the rubbish and end up in tips.

Every year, thousands of dollars are spent in Australia searching for beacons in rubbish dumps. Search personnel and assets which are tasked to look for beacons that have been inadvertently activated are then unavailable for a real emergency. Beacon batteries are hazardous items which should be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

There are a few options for disposing of your beacon:

Option 1 
Contact your local battery store to check whether they disconnect and dispose of beacons. A small fee may apply.

Option 2
Contact your local maritime safety agency, they may be able to provide advice on beacon disposal in your state.

Option 3
Check the beacon manufacturer’s instructions, they may provide instructions on how to disconnect the beacon battery. Once disconnected, contact your local waste management facility to ask about disposing of your unwanted beacon in an environmentally friendly way. A small fee may apply.

After disposing of your unwanted beacon please advise the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) by updating your online registration account or by phoning 1800 406 406.

By Melanie Peasey https://www.sailing.org.au/about/ourstaff/ 
Adapted from the AMSA website https://www.amsa.gov.au/