A beginner’s guide to disposing of fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are an important component of every effective fire safety strategy and understanding how to dispose of them safely is essential.

Can I throw a fire extinguisher away in the bin?

As fire extinguishers are pressurised and filled with hazardous chemicals, you can’t simply throw them away in your regular commercial or household waste bin.

How do I dispose of my old household fire extinguisher?

Many recycling centres in the UK accept fire extinguishers, however it’s best to check beforehand to avoid a wasted journey, as this isn’t the case across the board. As fire extinguishers fall into the hazardous waste disposal category, you can find your local disposal service by entering your postcode into the GOV.UK tool.

Do I need to do anything to my old fire extinguisher before taking it to a recycling centre?

Most local authority recycling centres will require you to tape the handles together securely or to make sure the safety pin is firmly in place.

Are there any other ways to dispose of an old fire extinguisher?

If you’re running a commercial business and you have regular fire safety assessments, your provider may be able to offer a disposal service and ensure they’re disposed of in line with environmental and compliance guidelines.

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It’s also worth checking with the supplier of your fire extinguisher, as some offer take-back services for customers purchasing a new model.