Thread: PLB disposal - to keep in mind

https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/09/09/h...ocator-beacon/

Just something to keep in mind if you get rid of a plb.

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Ha!!!
The survey for the charter boat requires the Beacon to be replaced on expiry..........The first time we replaced it around 2010, we took it in to the supplier and bought a new one........the supplier took the old one back and told us they were responsible for its disposal to stop any 'accidents'. They said they would remove the battery prior to disposal......

A few months later, I got a call from the rescue service at 3am wanting to know what the emergency was and why was the location coming up as the landfill on the North shore!!!
Seems the dealer forgot to remove the battery and threw it out in the rubbish.
Now, when we replace it every few years, we ask them to remove the battery in front of us before we leave the premises and we double check by de registering it at the same time we register the new one. Then we ring them again a few days later to check the old one has been de registered and the details of the new one are correct.

Sounds like you ran aground

I have gone through about 4 PLB beacons over the years through battery expiry. I have taken them to one of the shops that sells PLB for disposal in Chch - Map World was one. What you need to be aware of is that anyone can have the battery replaced with new and re sell. That is why having the PLB registered to yourself in the first place is really a must. You should get an email from the Rescue Center that your PLB is now deregistered if you have passed over to a shop that accepts them. Plus obviously advise the Rescue Centre in the first place that it is not registered to you anymore. If you do nothing then these false call outs are more likely depending who has acquired your old PLB. Throwing your PLB out with the rubbish is a bit of a 'blond' thing to do..