How do you dispose of a fire extinguisher?

Answer by  quisha (24)

If a fire extinguisher is still full but not working properly, call the local fire department and ask to exchange it. If it's empty, recycle it, but you will have to remove the head of it first.

Answer by  glennm12345 (140)

There are two ways of disposing a fire extinguisher. If it is not empty, you should take it to the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) since these are classified as hazardous materials. If it is empty, squeeze the lever above the handle to make sure contents are discharged. Remove the head and recycle the steel body.

Answer by  kashin7 (345)

Is it empty or not? If not, call the fire department or find a hazardous waste collection event. If empty, follow the instructions on the fire extinguisher itself.

Answer by  bubbyboy (9929)

On some extinguishers there are directions wrote on how to dispose of an empty extinguisher. If no directions, first be sure all contents are emptied. Next you remove the head. This tells whoever picks up the extinguisher that it is empty. Now you can recycle the steel body. In some communities, if you call the fire department they will refill.

Answer by  wjgsert (403)

To properly dispose of a fire extinguisher, you should first make sure it is empty by squeezing the lever above the handle, then you need to remove the head of the extinguisher, and then you should be able to recycle the steel tank. You can also contact your local Fire Department for further instructions.

Answer by  Chrissie (266)

You can take it to a hazardous materials disposal site. Many towns also have a specific day when they will pick up hazardous garbage (paint, cleaning solvents, etc). Phone your city hall or borough council to find out when this is.

Answer by  CraigMpls (55)

Fire extinguishers contain inert chemicals. Small extinguishers can be discharged into your garbage and discarded. Larger units are harder discharge but once the pressure is gone they are safe.

Answer by  Barbie87 (277)

If your fire extinguisher is not empty, take it to your Fire Department or a Household Hazardous Waste Event. If the extinguisher is empty, then you can recycle it.