Fire extinguishers will function as they should in the event of a fire with the proper care, servicing, and maintenance. An extinguisher won’t stay forever, though, and eventually needs to be replaced for a variety of reasons.

Fire extinguishers cannot just be thrown in the trash since they contain pressurised chemicals. To ensure its safety, you must do specific actions. You must empty the fire extinguisher before disposal if it is not already empty. Here are the best ways to dispose of your old fire extinguisher. Let’s delve into the article to know how you can discard it without harming our environment.

What happens to fire extinguishers when expire in the UK?

Expired fire extinguishers cannot be used for their intended purpose and must be disposed of properly. The process of disposing of expired fire extinguishers varies depending on the type of extinguisher and the regulations in your local area. In the UK, most fire extinguishers contain chemicals that are classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of accordingly.

Some common methods of disposal include recycling, incineration, or landfill. It is important to follow local regulations and guidelines when disposing of expired fire extinguishers to prevent harm to the environment and human health.

It is important to note that expired fire extinguishers should never be donated or sold for use as props or decorative items, as they may pose a safety hazard. Additionally, old fire extinguishers should never be refilled or recharged as this may compromise their effectiveness and increase the risk of injury or property damage in the event of a fire.

How do you safely empty a fire extinguisher?

Safely emptying a fire extinguisher requires careful attention to the specific type of extinguisher, as well as proper handling and disposal techniques. Here are the general steps for safely emptying a fire extinguisher:

1. Determine the type of extinguisher: Different types of extinguishers use different agents, such as water, foam, CO2, dry chemical, or wet chemical. Each agent requires specific handling and disposal methods, so it is important to identify the type of extinguisher you are dealing with.

2. Release the pressure: Before emptying the extinguisher, release the pressure by gently squeezing the trigger. This will make the extinguisher easier to handle and reduce the risk of injury.

3. Choose a safe location: It is important to empty the extinguisher in a well-ventilated area away from sources of heat or sparks. Also, make sure there are no flammable materials nearby.

4. Aim the nozzle: Point the nozzle in a safe direction, away from people and electrical equipment, and hold it steady.

5. Squeeze the trigger: Slowly squeeze the trigger to release the agent. Move the nozzle back and forth to distribute the agent evenly and empty the extinguisher completely.

6. Clean up the residue: Once the extinguisher is empty, use a broom and dustpan to sweep up the residue and dispose of it according to local regulations.

7. Dispose of the extinguisher: Empty extinguishers can be recycled or disposed of as hazardous waste, depending on the type of agent used. Check with your local waste management facility for instructions on proper disposal.

Note: It is important to only attempt to empty a fire extinguisher if you have the proper training and equipment. If you are not confident in your ability to do so safely, contact a professional fire safety company for assistance.

How do they recycle old fire extinguishers?

The contents are evacuated after being divided into various sorts and are frequently treated with care, recycled, or disposed of. Each component is disassembled after it has been depressurized, including the head caps, valves, tubes, and cartridges, which are then recycled or discarded depending on their state.

If the cylinder is in good shape, it can be filled and used again; if not, it is cut in two and the recycled metal is used.

How to Dispose of Old Fire Extinguishers in UK?

Disposal of domestic extinguishers

Simply transport them to your local waste recycling centre for disposal of smaller-scale fire extinguishers, such as a household extinguisher or one or two from a small commercial location. Your extinguisher can be securely locked in a designated holding bin by the personnel here.

Business users

Expiring fire extinguishers on public or commercial property are typically maintained annually, and this is when they are most frequently replaced. Any expired extinguishers can typically be removed by the service engineer on site for a modest fee or as part of an existing servicing agreement.

Additionally, a number of specialised businesses are equipped to collect extinguishers in large quantities for recycling.

This will frequently be the most affordable disposal option if you find yourself in possession of a lot of old or useless fire extinguishers.

It is possible to dispose of a small number of fire extinguishers yourself with care, but it is frequently preferable to hire a specialist or rely on a reliable servicing business like Snappy Rubbish Removal to dispose of your extinguishers for you if you have a significant number.

FAQs on how to dispose of old fire extinguishers in the UK

Are old fire extinguishers worth anything?

In general, old fire extinguishers are not worth anything in the UK. Fire extinguishers have a limited lifespan and must be regularly maintained and serviced to ensure their effectiveness. Once an extinguisher has expired or is no longer serviceable, it must be disposed of according to local regulations. However, some scrap metal dealers may offer a small payment for the metal components of the extinguisher.