What To Do With an Empty Fire Extinguisher

Once you have an empty fire extinguisher, it’s crucial that you properly manage its disposal. That’s because it can be potentially hazardous to dispose of with your regular waste streams, with the possibility of recycling and regulations also playing their part.

At Fire Safety Equipment, as reliable providers of high-quality extinguishers, we’ve created a quick guide for UK businesses and premises managers. This month, we’re looking at the safe, compliant disposal or reuse of fire extinguishers to help you and the environment.

How to dispose of an empty fire extinguisher

Did you know that you can’t just put an empty fire extinguisher in with your general waste? That’s because, due to the hazardous nature of the pressurised contents, they pose a risk. They also pose a legal risk if you simply pass them over to unlicensed handlers and they don’t dispose of the units correctly.

Here’s how you can dispose of your extinguisher instead:

1. Firstly, make sure it has been fully discharged in a safe, ventilated area.
2. Next, if possible, remove the pressure gauge on the unit to show that it is no longer in use, avoiding any confusion when it comes time for collection.
3. Contact your local recycling centre to see if they accept smaller, hand-held units for disposal.
4. If you have larger extinguishers or multiple to dispose of, talk to a licensed waste disposal provider or the original supplier.

Remember, you are still accountable for safe, compliant disposal once the extinguisher is handed over, so be sure that the company you choose holds the proper licences.

How to tell if your extinguisher can be refilled or if it needs to be replaced

Sometimes, certain extinguishers can be refilled, while others must be replaced. Here’s how you can tell:

• Start by checking the label and any guidance from the manufacturer. Most extinguishers come with an expiry date, which will indicate their usable service life.

• Though expiry dates vary, all fire extinguisher units have a finite lifespan. Regular servicing can extend this, but at a certain point, replacement is more cost-effective and ensures your business remains compliant.

• Certain pressurised units can be repressurised or refilled to avoid the need to dispose of them. Check with your supplier or the manufacturer in relation to your specific extinguisher type to find out if you need a fire extinguisher refill:
  
• CO2 fire extinguishers – Refillable
• Powder fire extinguishers – Often refillable
• Foam fire extinguishers – Replace with PFAS-free options
• Water fire extinguishers – Refillable
• Wet chemical fire extinguishers – Often refillable
• Lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers – Not refillable

Safe fire extinguisher disposal options

If your fire extinguisher has reached its expiry date or has become faulty and needs replacing, you have several options available to you for disposal:

• Return them to your supplier or servicing company
• Take them to your local recycling centre (check the guidelines for what is accepted in your area)
• Find a licensed hazardous waste company to handle your commercial requirements

Staying compliant with fire safety regulations

As any responsible business will know, the UK workplace regulations require fire extinguishers to remain serviced and within their valid expiry date. 

Specifically, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires businesses in England and Wales to keep safety equipment in good, functioning condition. That means any expired or discharged units need to be disposed of and replaced. You should always keep accurate records of extinguisher inspection and servicing, along with disposal and replacement paperwork to demonstrate your compliance.

Should you use non-licensed carriers to get rid of your fire extinguishers, you are liable for prosecution. For this reason, you should always ask for evidence that a waste disposal company has the right licences to accept your extinguishers.

Need to replace your empty fire extinguisher to stay on top of safety and compliance? Look no further than our vast range of unit sizes and extinguishant types here at Fire Safety Equipment. Browse our products and order online today for fast, free delivery in the UK mainland.