Owning a fire extinguisher is a mark of a safe and well-planned household, but it doesn’t stop there. Beyond reading the instructions and properly placing the extinguisher (or more likely multiple fire extinguishers if you’re following best practices), is the knowledge that your extinguisher has a shelf life and will need to be replaced, or what to do with an extinguisher you no longer need. Learn the measures you need to take to keep everyone safe.
Hazards
- Contents are under pressure and may explode when combined with other materials.
- Very old fire extinguishers may contain carbon tetrachloride, a known carcinogen.
Handling
- Fire extinguishers should be checked regularly—review the labels for how often. Extinguishers should have a pressure gauge that shows the pressure levels, including thresholds before they are no longer effective.
- Once an extinguisher is below effective pressure or you need to dispose of it, it’s important to read the labels for proper disposal options.
- The two most common types include dry chemical (sodium bicarbonate or monoammonium phosphate) and carbon dioxide (C02), both of which are not hazardous.
- To empty contents, discharge outside, away from children or pets. Monoammonium phosphate is an irritant to the eyes and the respiratory tract. Wear goggles and a particulate mask when discharging the extinguisher.
Management Options
- Do not throw pressurized fire extinguishers in the trash. They can explode when compacted in garbage trucks or garbage handling facilities. They must be emptied first and made safe. Learn more in our blog, Why Fire Extinguishers Expire and What to Do with Them.
Dry chemical extinguishers:
- May be discharged in an area where an acidic fertilizer would be used, such as around evergreens. Do not use on lawns.
- When relieving the pressure (emptying) the container for disposal, review manufacturers’ instructions, or, if unavailable, use the PASS technique:
- Pull the pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other scab or tamper indicators.
- Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the item.
- Squeeze the lever above the handle: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever.)
- Sweep from side to side.
- After pressure has been relieved (when nothing else comes out) remove the head from the container and place it with scrap metal or in the trash.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers:
- These extinguishers are refillable and should be refilled after each use. Check Yellow Pages under Fire Extinguishers -Recharging.
- If the extinguisher becomes defective, drill holes in the cylinder after pressure has been relieved, or unscrew the valve assembly, and then place in the trash.
- Ask fire equipment companies in your area if they will accept used extinguishers (listed in the Yellow Pages).
Very old fire extinguishers:
- Consult your local fire department.
- Take to a Household Hazardous Products Collection Center.
This information was brought to you by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and NEDT. For more information, including links to their guides, visit our Fact Sheets & Links page, and make sure to check out our NEDT Blog and Household Hazardous Products Resources for more in-depth information.
