Expired Marine Flares Disposal Dates
Mar 13, 2025
Flares manufactured in 2021 or earlier expire this year, as Transport Canada approves them for only 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.
Flares are not permitted in regular trash or at household hazardous waste facilities due to their potential explosion and fire hazards. Flares are only for emergencies and lighting them in non-distress situations, like decommissioning, is illegal. Marine flares contain toxic chemicals, which can pollute waterways and drinking water sources.
CanBoat / NautiSavoir volunteers and select CIL Dealers are hosting Safety Equipment Education and Flare Disposal Days (see below) to collect expired marine flares for neutralization and safe disposal.
There is no longer any funding support from Transport Canada for this program. The CPS Foundation has stepped up to fund this important program in partnership with CIL for Canadian boaters in 2025. Thanks to their generosity costs for shipping dangerous goods, insurance, advertising, neutralization, and disposal are covered.
For additional background information click here
The most up to date list of collection dates and locations can be found here at CanBoat.ca. CanBoat is still adding more dates to this list, so check back for updates!
