Disposing of Flares . . . Maybe

[Pyrate]

I would see if there are any training centers that would want the expired flares. I went to a lifeboat class for my MMD a few years back and they said that they use old flares up to 2 years past their expiration. Beyond that, they don't, simply because of liability in case the flares are overactive and have the potential of hurting someone. I definitely wouldn't try them underwater, unless I was firing them from the surface into the water. I keep some expired ones onboard, and also take a few hiking as emergency fire starters. Southeast Alaska is a very wet environment, but a handheld flare can usually start small pieces of soaked kindling, and won't blow out in a gale of wind.

Pyrate

[hugosalt]

I keep a reasonable number of expired stick flares on board
and have taken the oldest off the boat and try to have a training
refresher every year for anyone who will put up with me...if it hits the fan it would be nice to have someone aboard that
actually knows which end to hold and which end to light!

[Morganministry]

I'll third the campfire/beachfire routine. Atleast for the hand held flares. I've never fired an arial flare into a campfire before. But the hand held flares make giant long lasting matches.
Just don't breath the smoke!!!

Scott