All good things must come to an end…

Countless boats have been abandoned across the province of Ontario in backyards, storage yards, and farm fields. If left untouched, these abandoned vessels contaminate terrestrial & marine environments (if left in the water), impact the aesthetics of facilities & areas where they have been abandoned, and pose a safety risk to individuals that approach the vessel.

As a boat owner, you are responsible for the proper disposal of your vessel. Boating Ontario has compiled a list of businesses in the province that offer boat disposal services. 

Some businesses offer full-service disposal including pick up, transport, salvage & disposal, others offer partial service including one or more of the above services. 

Please contact and work directly with these organizations to make arrangements to meet your needs.

Landfills                Boat Recycling & Disposal Solutions

If you have questions that are not addressed below, please send us an e-mail at info@boatingontario.ca and we'll find the answer for you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

How can a boat owner get rid of a boat that is not worth selling?

Why are Abandoned Boats a Problem?

What does one do if they have found an abandoned boat?

How does one know when their boat has reached end of life?

How much does boat disposal cost?

Can all or part of my boat be recycled or sold?

Will someone transport my boat for me?

What is the most environmentally responsible way to dispose of a boat?

Do I have to de-list my boat from the Boat Registry or have the Pleasure Craft License removed before the vessel is destroyed?

FAQ Answers

How can a boat owner get rid of a boat that is not worth selling?

Options for disposing of boats varies across Canada

• Find a boat recycling facility near you. Use our business disposal solutions list above to help you get started.
• Search for charities or companies that may want your boat.
• Ask the nearest landfill if they accept boats.
• Ask local boat retailers if they take old boats on trade

How does one know when their boat has reached the end of life?

Your boat has reached its end of life when:

• the essential repairs to keep your boat operational exceed the monetary or emotional value of the boat.
• It is no longer seaworthy.
• It can no longer safely be operated.

How much does boat disposal cost?

The cost of boat disposal can vary greatly depending on a number of factors;

• Size
• Type
• Composition 
• Method of intake charge (by foot or by weight)

We would recommend contacting one or two local businesses that offer boat disposal services and ask for an estimate. Make sure to consider all steps in the process of disposal (retrieval, transportation, wrecking & disposal/recycling).

Can all or part of my boat be recycled or sold?

Some parts of a boat can be repurposed: engines, propane tanks, electronics, and metal hulls, etc. These would be removed as part of the disposal process and can be recycled, sold or disposed of appropriately. Wood and fiberglass hulls are not currently recyclable.

Will someone transport my boat for me?

Yes, we have included in our business listing boat transportation services available to move your boat to its final resting site.

What is the most environmentally responsible way of disposing of a boat?

Enlist the services of a reputable disposal company who will do the work as environmentally responsibly as possible. Inquire to ensure they will properly remove hazardous materials, recyclable parts and anything else on the boat that is not permitted in the landfill or has value and can be sold; these items should be disposed of in accordance with each area's waste disposal guidelines. The hull can be recycled if it is metal; fiberglass and wood hulls will be demolished and transported to a landfill.

Do I have to de-list my boat from the Boat Registry or have the Pleasure Craft Licence removed before the vessel is destroyed?

To understand the difference between a Pleasure Craft Licence versus Registration, click here.

If your boat is registered, you must submit a letter signed by the registered owner(s) to request the boat be removed from the Register.

Within the letter, please include:

• The name and signature(s) of the registered owner(s).
• the name of the vessel and official registration number,
• and provide a reason for closure – specify whether the boat was destroyed, scrapped, burned, sank, broken up, etc and include the date at which it happened.

Please submit the letter by:

• Email at vr-ib@tc.gc.ca
• Fax at 613.998.0637, or
• Or mail at the following address :

Transport Canada
Vessel Registration (AMSED)
Marine Safety & Security
330 Sparks Street, 3^rd Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N8

Please note that if a mortgage is registered against the vessel, the registered owner(s) is/are required to contact the mortgages(s) to have the mortgage removed from the Register.

To learn more about closing-out the vessel registry, click here. For more information, please contact vr-ib@tc.gc.ca.

If your boat has a pleasure craft license, you can cancel the license by mailing in this form.

Within the form:

• complete parts A, B, under “Reason for the application” fill in “Cancellation” and part F.
• attach supporting documents outlined in the form (download here).

Please submit your application with the required documents to:

Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre
P.O. Box 2006
Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5G4