Fire Extinguishers
The Environment Agency suggest calling the supplier for correct disposal advice as there are so many different types available.
As of this year (2003), Halon fire extinguishers will be banned from being used. Stated in the European Directive, by the end of December 2003 all portable extinguishers and fixed systems must be taken out of service.
Halon must be disposed of safely and efficiently by personnel qualified to do so and the BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) Halon Decommissioning scheme has been established to advise and assist in the safe removal of Halon from service.
Our recycling / disposal advice
The Fire Extinguisher Shop in Bishops Stortford advise that the small aerosol type domestic extinguishers which have to be discarded after 5 years can be taken to their shop to be disposed of free of charge.
Fire extinguishers are not waste, but remain the property of the manufacturer. Call the company responsible for making the cylinder, or a local supplier of that brand, for advice on disposal.
If the manufacturer can not provide a disposal route, contact the WasteAware helpline for advice.
A powder one can be discharged and the contents put into the dustbin (this will discharge some of the CO2 propellant into the atmosphere). The empty canister can then be put in the metals bin at Household Waste Recycling Centres.
Use the search below to find where to recycle / dispose of Fire Extinguishers.