Class B EPIRB Disposal

[jkindredpdx]

I have a 20+ year old Class B EPIRB. Can anyone recommend the proper way for me to dispose the unit and battery?

[a64pilot]

Depending on where you are, many of the home supply stores in the US recycle rechargeable drill batteries, as far as the unit, there are places that recycle electronics, but I’ve not seen one.

[hellosailor]

Make sure you de-register it before you dispose of it. Many can be opened by removing four stainless screws, at which point you can usually lift out the battery pack and drop it off at anyplace that recycles batteries. The electronics can often be recycled in the same or a different place.

Or you can mail it off to someone who is willing to try replacing the batteries and putting it to a second life, totally keeping it out of the landfills.

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

Make sure you de-register it before you dispose of it. Many can be opened by removing four stainless screws, at which point you can usually lift out the battery pack and drop it off at anyplace that recycles batteries. The electronics can often be recycled in the same or a different place.

Or you can mail it off to someone who is willing to try replacing the batteries and putting it to a second life, totally keeping it out of the landfills.

Good point... This was the POs EPIRB, but I'll see if I can deregister. I believe the Class B EPIRP is so old, that Emergency Responders no longer monitor the wavelength.

[hellosailor]

" Operation of Class A, B and S EPIRBs shall be prohibited after December 31, 2006."
[ NOAA - Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking - Emergency Beacons ]

Good point! Now, if I only knew what Class A/B/S and the newer stuff meant.
I think "Class" anything means the old aircraft frequency, versus "Category" anything being the new satellite stuff.