It’s been said that boaters have more expired flares than convenient ways to dispose of them. Expired flares leak toxic chemicals and should never be thrown into household garbage. And setting off a flare is strictly forbidden unless it is for a genuine emergency, or with prior Coast Guard approval for an authorized demonstration. Flares contain magnesium and nitrate so cannot be thrown overboard for obvious environmental reasons, including the potential of polluting drinking water.
The Flare Disposal Challenge. Because expired flares contain hazardous materials and are labeled as such, disposing of these devices can be a challenge, and disposal sites can be limited. Boaters should seek out commercial hazardous waste disposal facilities for proper disposal. Police and fire halls operated by municipalities generally no longer accept flares for disposal. Some retailers of flares will accept expired flares, or may hold special flare collection days; the expired flares are then returned to the distributor or manufacturer. CanBoat (formerly Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons) and U.S. Power and Sail Squadrons may host flare collection days at marine retail stores, or collect expired flares as an annual event.
Required Distress Signals. Boaters must carry both night and day distress signaling devices. Coast Guard approved Electronic Visual Distress Signal Devices may be used in lieu of Pyrotechnic Flares for nighttime use. The electronic C-1002 Sirius Signal (two-color) meets the requirements established by Transport Canada, and the U.S. Coast Guard allows the Sirius Signal SOS (one-color) as a nighttime distress signal for pleasure craft.
In addition to an electronic nighttime signal, boaters are also required to carry daytime distress signals – in Canadian waters this means three hand-held red flares and three orange smoke distress signals; in U.S. waters this means orange smoke signals, an orange distress flag, and three red flares (hand-held, parachute, or aerial).
Flare Disposal Options in B.C. There are several marine retail stores in B.C. that schedule expired flare collection days, usually in the spring. Retailers include Alberni Industrial Marine Supply (Port Alberni); Bitter End Boaters Exchange (Gibsons); Harbour Chandler (Nanaimo); Lake’s Marine Supplies (Duncan/May 24, 2025); Steveston Marine (Vancouver); and Trotac Marine (Victoria). Ask your marine store if they have an expired flare day. Retailers will generally accept expired flares and charge a fee for disposal. Flares typically expire after 4 years.
Flare Disposal Options in WA. Some West Marine stores offer a take-back program for expired flares. Boaters can also contact local hazardous waste collection facilities regarding disposal of marine flares. Your local Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power & Sail Squadron may be able to provide named locations for proper disposal of flares. Flares typically expire after 3.5 years after the date of manufacture.
Boaters should check the dates on flares, which should be kept in a container specifically manufactured to hold flares. Be sure you have all your safety equipment on board for Coast Guard inspections and for the safety of you and your crew.
