HOW TO DISPOSE OF AN OLD OR OUTDATED FIRE EXTINGUISHER

The Mahopac Fire Department DOES NOT accept old fire extinguishers for disposal or recharging.

Most small household extinguishers are rated to last approximately10 years at which time they would be required to have a hydrostatic test performed on the container to ensure it is still safe. The cost of a hydrostatic test is not cost effective since it would be more or equivalent to the purchase of a new extinguisher. If an extinguisher has reached its life expectancy or has been partly discharged it will need to be replaced by the owner. The following practice is a safe way to discharge an old or partly used extinguisher in order to dispose of it properly.

1. Release any pressure contained in the canister by discharging or shooting a small amount at a time into an open area. Be mindful of wind direction, you can also discharge the unit into a large plastic garbage bag always being mindful of wind direction, so it does not blow back in your direction.
2. Once you have discharged the contents of the canister let it sit for a while to ensure all pressure has been released from the canister.
3. Once there is no longer any pressure in the canister you can dispose of the remaining canister in the household trash or recycle.