How to Recycle a Fire Extinguisher

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Fire extinguishers are important safety devices, but they can be harmful if they aren’t disposed of properly. By emptying your extinguisher and removing the exterior accessories, you can make your extinguisher ready for recycling. Remember to connect with local resources to recycle or discard your extinguisher in a responsible way.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Emptying the Extinguisher

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  1. Look on the label of the fire extinguisher for the name of the manufacturer. This is typically located in large red or black letters.
    • Some common extinguisher brands are Amerex, Ansul, Badger, and Kidde. [1]
  2. Do not attempt to transport or manipulate a fire extinguisher with an active recall. The foam or dry chemicals inside can be sensitive or combustible. [2]
    • If your extinguisher has a recall, ask the manufacturer to provide direction on safe handling procedures.
    • Because extinguishers often go many years without being replaced, it’s possible a recall has been issued even months or years ago.
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  3. Wear plastic goggles and put on a mask that filters at least 95% of particles in order to safely discharge the remainder of your extinguisher.
    • Some extinguishers can contain toxic gasses or dust that are irritating to the lungs.
  4. Cordon off any pets or children away from where you’ll be discharging the fire extinguisher. Place the bucket on the ground where you can direct the extinguishing stream. [3]
  5. Point the fire extinguisher into your bucket to contain any potential dust. Squeeze the lever and aim the stream low, away from your face.
    • Keep the lever depressed until nothing more comes out of the extinguisher.
  6. Keep your extinguisher in a cool, dry place and check the pressure gauge periodically. It may take between a few hours to a few days for the pressure in the canister to dissipate completely. [4]
    • Keep pets and children away from the extinguisher during this time.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Disassembling the Extinguisher

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  1. Unscrew the head of the fire extinguisher until it comes off easily. Place the head in a zip-top bag to take to the recycling plant with you. [5]
    • Removing the head of the extinguisher lets others know that the extinguisher is empty and should not be kept for use.
    • Typically the head of the extinguisher can simply be unscrewed with your hands like the lid of a jar. If the head is tight, use a wrench to loosen it.
  2. Bag any plastic components of the extinguisher, such as the tubing or hangers used to secure the extinguisher to the wall. The extinguisher is now ready to be recycled with the manufacturer or a local facility.
  3. Load your disassembled extinguisher into the box and pack it firmly with newsprint on either side so it can’t move. Place the bagged accessories on top.
    • Packing your extinguisher securely will keep it from being agitated in the car on the way to a recycling facility. This is critical in the unlikely event that there is any material left in the canister.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Finding Recycling Resources

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  1. Call the customer service phone number of your extinguisher’s manufacturer. Ask a representative if they recycle your model of extinguisher.
    • The model number of your extinguisher can be found on the label. Whether or not the manufacturer will recycle your extinguisher typically depends upon whether the contents were chemical retardants or simply dust or foam under pressure.
    • If they will recycle your extinguisher, ask about local drop-off points and how to package your materials for proper recycling.
  2. Navigate to your state or county’s municipal website and look for the phone number of the local environmental protection agency. Call them to inquire about local recycling options for fire extinguishers.
    • Ask the agency if there are any special protocols you need to adhere to before your extinguisher can be recycled. [6]
    • Some centers will only recycle extinguishers of a small size or those that are not refillable.
  3. Perform an online search to locate a fire safety trade association, such as Connected Fie Safety Services, near you. Call and ask a representative if they accept fire extinguishers from the public for recycling.
    • Take down pertinent information about the specific kinds of fire extinguishers the association accepts and any restrictions about drop-off times or packaging.
  4. Consult your town’s municipal website to find a hazardous waste disposal center near you. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, there will not be recycling resources for fire extinguishers in your area. A hazardous-waste disposal facility can throw away your extinguisher safely. [7]
    • Hazardous-waste centers are equipped to break down your extinguisher into its component parts if necessary for proper disposal.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I refill an extinguisher?
    Community Answer
    Take it to your local fire department, or buy a new one. I took mine to a local fire department and they did it for me.
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  • Question
    Unless I missed it, the article didn't mention how to dispose of the contents of the extinguisher. The canister and valve aren't the challenge, the actual extinguishing agent is.
    Community Answer
    Depends on the type. If it's water, then just spray it out. For others, just go to your local fire department's website, find a number to call and they will dispose of it for you.
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      Tips

      • Some fire extinguishers can be refilled and used again rather than recycled. If this interests you, contact the manufacturer of your model. They can provide guidance on refilling protocol, if applicable. [8]
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      • Fire extinguishers typically cannot be discarded curbside with your regular garbage even if you don’t intend to the recycle them.
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      Warnings

      • If you accidentally spray yourself with fire extinguishing foam or dust, flush your eyes with plenty of water and remove your contact lenses. Rinse your skin with warm water and soap. Then, contact your local poison control center.
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      • Most extinguishers are mildly irritating to the skin and lungs rather than acutely dangerous. It’s always best to contact a poison center or local physician just to be safe, though.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.safewise.com/resources/fire-extinguishers-buyers-guide
      2. ↑ http://www.ecocycle.org/a-zguide/fire-extinguishers
      3. ↑ https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/trash-and-recycling/recycling/recycling-directory-dropoff-locations.html#!rc-cpage=41174
      4. ↑ https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/trash-and-recycling/recycling/recycling-directory-dropoff-locations.html#!rc-cpage=41174
      5. ↑ https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/trash-and-recycling/recycling/recycling-directory-dropoff-locations.html#!rc-cpage=41174
      6. ↑ https://www.recyclenow.com/recycle-an-item/fire-extinguishers
      7. ↑ https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/trash-and-recycling/recycling/recycling-directory-dropoff-locations.html#!rc-cpage=41174
      8. ↑ https://www.ccpa.net/documentcenter/home/view/3143

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