Do You Have Expired Marine Flares?
Flares manufactured in 2021 or earlier expire this year (2025), as Transport Canada approves them for four years. They should be replaced every third or fourth boating season. To dispose of expired flares, do not light them, throw them overboard, or add them to household garbage.
Transport Canada no longer funds the disposal of flares. Fortunately, CanBoat / NautiSavoir volunteers and select CIL Dealers are hosting Safety Equipment Education and Flare Disposal Days to collect expired marine flares for neutralization and safe disposal. There is no fee for disposal on these drop-off days, but donations are appreciated.
2025 B.C. Collection Dates and Locations
You’re invited to learn about the required safety equipment and dispose of outdated marine flares, from any manufacturers, for free on these days (listed by host squadron):
Victoria Squadron
April 4, 5: Trotec Marine Ltd. 370 Gorge Rd. E, Victoria.
Vancouver Squadron
April 26: Steveston Marine and Hardware, 1667 W 5th Ave, Vancouver.
Pacific Mainland
May 17: Bitter End Boaters Exchange, 1044 Seamount Way, Gibsons.
Vancouver Island N
June 7: Alberni Industrial Marine Supply, 3149 Kingsway Ave, Port Alberni.
This information has been provided by the Recreational Boating Advisory Council (RBAC) and the CPS Foundation.
Currents PDFs
Here is the link to the CanBoat website with even more places offered: https://www.canboat.ca/events/safety-equipment-flare-disposal-days-2/?utm_campaign=Mars&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=Englsih&mc_cid=1e219b5666
Specifically, for those of us living in and around the Cowichan Valley, you can recycle your old flares (and even purchase new ones) at Lakes Marine Supplies 5968 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan between the hours of 10 and 2.