Dusty, discharged, and, yet not disposed of… that describes a lot of old fire extinguishers in many peoples’ homes! Unless you enjoy it for decoration your unusable, unserviceable, and discharged extinguishers should be recycled ASAP. Never keep an extinguisher that will NOT work around unless properly labeled as such. You don’t want to make the mistake of thinking you have a good extinguisher only to find out its a dud in a fire emergency!
Fire extinguishers that have seen better days should be disposed of properly. The best way to go about disposing of a unit is to contact your local fire extinguisher sales and service provider or fire department. Since recycling standards are largely dependent on the locality, it’s important to verify the best practice with your local authorities. Never place a fire extinguisher (whether it indicates a charge or not) into a trash receptacle. No matter who or where your extinguisher goes to for disposal, a few steps will happen to ensure that it’s taken care of properly:
- It will be discharged completely. Even extinguishers that show no charge need to be verified as no longer pressurized. Technicians have the proper tools and equipment to fully discharge these units safely.
- It will be emptied completely. Technicians will ensure that no extinguishing agent remains within the shell of the extinguisher. This is especially important with obsolete extinguishers who’s chemical poses risks for both people and the environment.
- It will be completely disassembled. The shell, head mechanism, internal parts, and outer accessories will all be removed from one another. Depending on the company, the extinguisher may have specific accessories or parts that are salvaged.
- It will be scrapped. Each part will be separated by its make into the proper type of recycling. Shells, for example, are separated by steel or aluminum and are recycled with metal salvagers.
The type of recycling that occurs will be largely dependent on the services offered in your area. The cost for extinguisher recycling will depend on the service provider. Unless you are recycling an extinguisher that is considered hazardous to the environment (some foam types) then the cost should be close to nothing.
Your extinguisher may be due for disposal if it is no longer serviceable. Extinguishers that cannot undergo services include:
- Fire extinguishers with plastic head mechanisms
- Fire extinguishers that are labeled for disposal after 12 years
- Fire extinguishers that are labeled as non-rechargeable
- Fire extinguishers manufactured before 1984
- Fire extinguishers with serious physical damage including corrosion
- Fire extinguishers of obsolete types or styles (soda-acid, copper)
- Fire extinguishers manufactured by the General company
- Fire extinguishers that have been recalled (Kidde)
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