Fire extinguishers are something that every homeowner and business owners should keep around and replace as needed. Non-rechargeable (disposable) fire extinguishers should be disposed of and replaced about every 10 years, even though there is no true expiration date. So how do you dispose of your old or expired fire extinguisher the proper way? In this article, we will guide you through the proper steps to dispose of fire extinguishers safely and responsibly.
Generally, there are 3 safe ways to dispose of a fire extinguisher
- Drop off at your local fire department
- Take to your hazardous waste facility
- Recycle (if empty and non-hazardous material)
Safe Disposal Options
Let’s talk more in depth about the safe disposal options that your have for both full fire extinguishers and empty fire extinguishers.
- In the trash/recycling: Water-based and foam-based fire extinguishers can be disposed of in the trash, as long as they are fully discharged and empty. However, dry powder and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers should not be disposed of in the trash and require special hazardous waste disposal.
- Hazardous waste disposal facility: Dry powder and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers should be taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility for proper disposal. Contact your local fire department or waste management company for information on hazardous waste disposal in your area.
- Fire department: In most cases, you should be able to drop your fire extinguisher (full or empty) off at your local fire station. If you are unsure, call in advance to see if they will accept your old fire extinguishers and be prepared to tell them what type of fire extinguishers you need to dispose of.
Types of Fire Extinguishers (and their specific disposal methods)
You may or may not know that there are different types of fire extinguishers containing different substances for different types of fires. It’s important that we discuss the different types of fire extinguishers becuase their disposal methods can also be different according to their type. Some have hazardous materials that require proper care and need to be disposed of in the correct way.
Water-based fire extinguishers:
Water-based fire extinguishers are safe to dispose of in the trash. However, make sure the extinguisher is empty by fully discharging the contents before disposal. Do not puncture or damage the canister.
Foam-based fire extinguishers:
Foam-based fire extinguishers can also be disposed of in the trash or local recycling center, but the foam needs to be completely emptied before disposal. To do this, discharge the contents of the extinguisher, remove the head from the canister, and then let the foam dry out completely before disposal. Puncture or damage the canister to prevent it from being reused.
Dry powder fire extinguishers:
Dry chemical extinguishers should be taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility. Do not dispose of them in the trash, as the powder can be harmful if inhaled. To prepare for disposal, first discharge the contents of the extinguisher, then remove the head from the canister and puncture it to release any remaining pressure. Contact your local fire department or waste management company for information on hazardous waste disposal in your area.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers:
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers should also be taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility. Do not dispose of them in the trash. Before disposal, make sure the canister is fully discharged, and then remove the head from the canister and puncture it to release any remaining pressure. Contact your local fire department or waste management company for information on hazardous waste disposal in your area.
Portable Fire Extinguishers
It’s important to note that portable fire extinguishers are pressurized and can therefore not be disposed of in your regular trash or recycling bins. Pressurized fire extinguishers can be dangerous because of the high pressure if not disposed of properly, as they can explode or release harmful chemicals if punctured, crushed or any type of high impact.
Why Proper Fire Extinguisher Disposal is Important
Now that we’ve covered the basics of proper fire extinguisher disposal, let’s talk about why proper disposal is actually important.
- Safety: Fire extinguishers contain chemicals and pressurized contents that can be dangerous if not disposed of properly. Proper disposal reduces the risk of harm to people or the environment.
- Environmental protection: Fire extinguishers can contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment, such as dry powder extinguishers that can release toxic substances when they come into contact with water. Proper disposal ensures that these chemicals do not end up in the environment.
- Legal compliance: Improper disposal of fire extinguishers can be illegal and result in fines or other penalties. It is important to follow the proper disposal procedures to comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Recycling: Some components of fire extinguishers, such as the metal canisters, can be recycled. Proper disposal can help to ensure that these materials are recycled instead of ending up in a landfill.
When is it Time to Dispose of Your Fire Extinguisher
Don’t just assume that your fire extinguishers are good and ready to use just because they have never been used. They do require a little of regular maintenance and visual inspection. There are a few indicators that it may be time to dispose of your fire extinguisher:
Inspection
Regular inspections of your fire extinguisher regularly, at least once a month, is the best way to make sure that it is in good condition. Look for any physical damage, such as dents, corrosion, or leaks. Check inspection tags and then update the date that you last inspected it, especially if its in a public space, like an office where others may check the inspection tag as well.
Pressure gauge
Check the pressure gauge on your fire extinguisher to make sure that it is still in the green area of the pressure gauge, meaning that it still has proper operating pressure. If the needle is in the red area or the gauge is missing, the extinguisher may need to be recharged or replaced.
Age
Fire extinguishers have a limited lifespan, typically between 5-15 years depending on the type of extinguisher. Check the label or manufacturer’s instructions to determine the recommended lifespan of your extinguisher. If your extinguisher is older than its recommended lifespan, it may be time to replace it.
Recharge
If you have used your fire extinguisher, it needs to be recharged promptly after use. If the cost of recharging the extinguisher is more than the cost of a new one, it may be time to dispose of the old one and purchase a new one.
Inoperable
If the fire extinguisher is not working, even after being recharged, they are likely at the end of their useful life.
If your fire extinguisher is damaged, expired, or fails any of the above tests, it is time to dispose of it and replace it with a new one. Remember, proper maintenance and timely replacement are critical to ensuring that your fire extinguisher works properly and can help you in the event of a fire.