Many people need help knowing where to start, as fire extinguishers are not an item thrown away regularly. So understandably, there can be concerns about how or what to do.
The different types of fire extinguishers mean that disposal methods and requirements may differ. However, fire extinguishers are hazardous waste, so it’s essential to dispose of them safely.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways to dispose of a fire extinguisher – keep reading to learn more.
How can you tell if a fire extinguisher is expired?
The first thing to do is find out how old the fire extinguisher is. If you check the body, neck, or base, you should see the date of manufacture stamped or painted on the extinguisher.
The fire extinguisher should also have a service tag that displays when it was last serviced and the next due date.
Any obvious signs of damage, wear, or usage would also justify disposal.
- Check the pressure gauge (if it has one) is not in the red zone.
- The handle is not damaged.
- There are no blockages visible on the nozzle.
- The locking pin is present.
If you don’t know when it was manufactured, when it was last serviced, or if there are any signs of damage or usage, you should get the fire extinguisher serviced or disposed of promptly.
How do you get rid of a fire extinguisher?
If you have an empty fire extinguisher, you can take it to your local recycling centre. Fire extinguishers are composed of metal, plastics, and rubber, so they can all be recycled. But be sure to check with your local centre to make sure they accept fire extinguishers.
If you have a fire extinguisher that is not empty, you must first empty it before disposal. Fire extinguishers come in different types, each containing different substances used to put out different types of fires.
These substances can be toxic to the environment, so they must be removed from the extinguisher and disposed of correctly.
- Powder extinguishers – you must use a specialist disposal service.
- Foam extinguishers – can be disposed of by being dispensed into a sewer drain (not a rainwater drain).
- Carbon dioxide – extinguishers can be safely dispersed into the air. Ensure this is done outside.
- Water extinguishers – should be discharged into a drain.
Finally, never allow the removal of old fire extinguishers from your property by someone who does not hold a valid waste licence.
Are water fire extinguishers toxic?
The short answer is no; water-based fire extinguishers are not toxic. They are safe to use and won’t cause any adverse effects in most cases.
Water-based fire extinguishers are filled with a mixture of water and a surfactant, a chemical that helps the water penetrate and extinguish the fire more quickly and effectively.
The concentration of this surfactant is very low, however, and doesn’t present any toxicity or health risks.
Are dry powder fire extinguishers toxic?
The main constituents of dry powder fire extinguishers are mono ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium carbonate.
These are not considered toxic, but they can irritate when inhaled. When these particles are inhaled, they can cause coughing, sneezing, burning eyes, and, if inhaled, a sore throat.
Are wet chemical fire extinguishers toxic?
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are commonly used in commercial and residential kitchens to smother flames caused by cooking oil and fat fires.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are toxic when used, as the heat from the fire can produce some harmful substances. But If you’re exposed to it when trying to dispose of the extinguisher, it’s much the same as a powder extinguisher in that it can irritate the eyes and airways.
Are foam fire extinguishers toxic?
When it comes to toxicity, foam fire extinguishers are generally considered to be non-toxic. The foam itself is not toxic, but the other contents of the extinguisher may be, depending on the type.
In terms of irritation, foam fire extinguishers can cause skin and eye irritation. Therefore, it is important to wear protective clothing if you think you’re likely to get any foam on yourself when disposing of the old fire extinguisher.
Are CO2 fire extinguishers toxic?
CO2 fire extinguishers aren’t toxic, but they can be dangerous. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas used in fire suppression systems and found in some fire extinguishers. While it’s not as hazardous as some other extinguisher contents, it does pose some risks.
Because CO2 is an asphyxiant, meaning it can displace breathable air, it can lead to suffocation. It can also cause irritation in some people, including those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. Providing you’re in a well-ventilated area, there shouldn’t be any danger.
Can I throw a fire extinguisher in a skip?
At Norris, we’re happy to take a fire extinguisher when you hire a skip from us for a small fee. You can select how many you need to get rid of during checkout, and we can safely dispose of any extinguisher for you.
If you’ve hired your skip from a different waste management company, you’ll need to ask them directly. Unfortunately, many skip-hire companies won’t take them, so please be sure to check.
We hope this article has cleared up any confusion about fire extinguisher disposal. Whether you have a water, dry powder, wet chemical, foam, or CO2 extinguisher, you should now know the necessary steps to take to ensure it is disposed of safely.
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