Just like smoke alarms, fire extinguishers have an expiration date, and should be inspected regularly. If you have a fire extinguisher, check the label for an expiration date. If there is none, and you do not know when it was purchased, assume it is expired.

What is the Right Disposal Procedure for a Fire Extinguisher?

1. Refill It
   Not all extinguishers are created equal or can be refilled. If it is of a commercial grade it will typically be labeled as "Serviceable". Yet, if it has a plastic handle then refilling is not a viable option. If this extinguisher still is not able to be determined for refill, then try upgrading to a serviceable style and dispose of the old one properly. See the list of Extinguisher Classifications below when selecting your replacement.

2. Recycle It
   All fire extinguishers are considered hazardous waste. This requires that they get recycled through a certified hazardous waste management facility. In Marin the Household Hazardous Waste Facility will take up to 3x, 5 lbs. extinguisher per visit, from Marin County residents only.

3. Toss It
   NEVER throw away any extinguishers. These devices are under pressure and can cause grave injury if disposed of or handled improperly. Ensure that they have been secured, discharged, and recycled in an approved manner.

Safety Knowledge for Extinguishers

• Before being recharged, it will get a once over by a tech to make sure that it is still working and meets all current requirements for operation and safe use.
• After you empty the cylinder, you should squeeze the trigger to make sure that it has no residual pressure.
• In case there is a small amount of pressure still on the gauge, take the cylinder outside and squeeze the trigger to release the pressure.
• Last but not least, you may want to double check whether Marin Household Hazardous Waste facility still accepts discharged extinguishers. See contact information below.

TAKE-AWAY: As always, you should be careful while disposing and handling old fire extinguishers. You can also sell yours to a collector if it was made before 1960 – although you should also handle it carefully.

Disposing of a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are considered household hazardous waste if they are not completely empty. Contents of the extinguisher could cause an explosion.

If you CAN reuse/recharge a fire extinguisher – contact a local maintenance company

If you CANNOT reuse/recharge a fire extinguisher – visit San Mateo County’s website for Household Hazardous Waste disposal