Webmaster note: This page is copied directly from https://anchorline.ca/index.php/disposal-of-expired-flares, it is highly recommended that you consult that page for up-to-date information when you are preparing to dispose of flares.
Pyrotechnic flares are used to signal distress at sea and help pinpoint a boat’s location. You need to check flares regularly to make sure they are in good condition and dispose of out-of-date or damaged flares safely. Find out how to arrange safe disposal of your flares.
The rules for safe disposal of flares
Out-of-date or damaged flares can be extremely dangerous. Flares can kill so it’s important to bring them ashore as soon as possible to be disposed of safely.
- It’s against the law to use flares in a non-emergency situation or dump them at sea.
- Never: put flares in carrier bags or drop them in general household rubbish or public litter bins
- dump them anywhere where members of the public could come across them
The following locations accept expired flares:
- AREA H – BOW HORN BAY FIRE DEPARTMENT
220 Lions Way, Qualicum Beach
Ph. 250-757-9433
Drop off: Mon. 10 am – 4 pm or 7 pm – 9 pm
No cost: Must be an area resident (no large quantities) - PARKER MARINE
1920 E. Wellington Road, Nanaimo
Phone: 250-741-1618
Drop off: 8:30 am – 5 pm, Mon. – Fri.
Cost: Types B & C, $2.00
or Types A & D, $6.00 - GABRIOLA FIRE DEPARTMENT
760 North Road, Gabriola Island
Ph. 250-247-9677
Drop off: Tues. – Fri., 9 am – 4 pm, call first
No cost - ERRINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
960 Errington Road, Errington
Ph. 250-248-5601
Drop off: Call for times
No cost - RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit
Pacific Blasting yard
3183 Norland Avenue, Burnaby.
PH 604-205-6890 or 604-209-7954
$2 (Types B&C) or $6 (Types A&D) - Ellice Recycling
524 David Street
Victoria, BC
Drop off: 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday – Friday and 12:00pm to 2:00pm on Saturdays
$1 per flare gun shell, $4 per handheld flare, $9 per rocket flare, parachute flare or smoke flare
(250) 383-4342 - West Vancouver Yacht Club
5854 Marine Drive
West Vancouver, BC
(604) 921-7575