Although we may not admit it, it’s kind of comforting to know that you have that trusty old fire extinguisher nearby — just in case. But many people fail to realize that extinguishers can get old. Given enough time, they may not work well, or even at all.
But before you run out and replace all of your units, you’ll need to know what to do with the old extinguishers. After all, you can’t just toss them in the trash. They may not be totally empty, and if the liquid, gas or chemicals inside leak out, serious damage can occur, including contamination or even explosions! So how do you get rid of those old extinguishers?
Instructions: First of all, you need to determine what type of extinguisher you’re dealing with. Newer extinguishers typically contain water, gas, or chemicals. Water-filled and gas-filled (CO2) models are safe, as the liquid or foam inside is inert. However, the chemical models may be toxic, and if released, they can irritate skin (and the environment). To be safe, it’s a good idea to contact your local fire department, or even a fire extinguisher service company. This can be located with a simple Google search.
You may have to follow local and even Federal guidelines when disposing of extinguishers. Again, the fire department, as well as your local sanitation or environmental protection departments may have the proper information for disposal and recycling. You see, fire extinguishers are often considered to be “hazardous waste,” and as such, they may require special arrangements. Plus, these extinguishers are generally under a great deal of pressure (this is what makes them effective). Therefore, they need to be handled by qualified professionals!
Typically, local sanitation workers will pick up old extinguishers for disposal and recycling. If the extinguisher can be reused, the employees willfully inspect and perform pressure tests. If the unit is unusable, it is cut in half or pierced. Then, it’s scrapped, as almost all of the unit can be recycled.
At DumpsterSource, our representatives will schedule personal pick-ups and disposal for your extinguishers and other waste and trash. To reach a representative, simply call (888) 423-8677, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am EST until 8:00 pm EST. Or, you can reach them online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The best way to dispose of a fire extinguisher is to take it to you local fire equipment co.
They can usually re-use the chemical and some of the parts.
They will most likely recycle the cylinders; you may want to ask them before you go there.
Besides; you’re going to need a new fire extinguisher anyway.
Actually, most fire department do not have anything to do with disposing of fire extinguishers. They can tell you where to go locally though.
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