Disposing of Expired Marine Flares

In Canada, distributors and manufacturers of flares are responsible for accepting and disposing of expired flares. The term “distributor” does not apply to all retailers that sell flares as a product. Distributors are only responsible for accepting the brands of flares that they sell, although some do accept all brands for a fee. Flare disposal costs range from $4 to $10 per flare depending on the type. There are no flare disposal facilities in British Columbia, meaning all flares are shipped across the country for disposal in either Alberta or Quebec.

Listed below is the contact information for companies on Vancouver Island that accept flares. Always contact the distributor before you ship any flares to them. They will set up the shipping for you and provide shipping requirements and costs. Shipping costs will be high, as flares are considered dangerous goods.

Pacific Coast Liferaft, Victoria 250-360-1573 Accepts all brands of flares.

The Harbour Chandler, Nanaimo 250-753-2425 Only accepts CIL/Orion flares.

All Bay Marine, Sidney 250-656-0153 Only accepts CIL/Orion Flares

Posted from information from Transport Canada, Office of Marine Safety.

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck
Thetis Island Vol. Fire Dept.