Fire Extinguishers

Do not place fire extinguishers in curbside recycling.

Fire extinguishers consist of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel, usually made of steel or aluminum, and an agent that can be discharged to extinguish a fire.

There are two main types of fire extinguishers: stored-pressure and cartridge-operated. Stored-pressure fire extinguishers are the most common and typically contain a dry chemical as the agent. The dry chemical is typically mono-ammonium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium bicarbonate—all considered non-toxic.

City Collection Programs

In Cuyahoga County, some communities have special collection programs for their residents. Fire stations may also offer disposal services. Allow location services or choose your community from the green drop-down to see details at the top of this page, or check with your community.

Refill or Disposal

Metal fire extinguishers can be refilled rather than thrown away when empty, unless manufactured before 1984.

Extinguishers made of plastic are not recyclable and should be placed in the regular trash when empty.

Very old fire extinguishers (pre-1960s) may contain carbon tetrachloride, a known carcinogen. Contact our office if you have a pre-1960 fire extinguisher containing carbon tetrachloride. 

Preparing a Fire Extinguisher for Disposal

If It’s Not Empty

The casing is usually made of steel or aluminum and can be recycled. Recyclers will not accept containers that are not empty, so you must discharge all contents first. Discharge outside, away from children or pets. Eye protection and a mask are recommended when discharging.

• Pull the pin on the extinguisher—this unlocks the operating lever.
• Squeeze the lever above the handle to discharge contents.
• Aim low and discharge contents into a bucket or another container.

After you’ve finished discharging the extinguisher contents and nothing else comes out, remove the head from the container—this will let the recycler know that the extinguisher is empty. Remove any plastic pieces (plastic pieces go in the trash) and take them to a scrap metal yard for recycling. Dispose of the collected non-toxic dry-chemical agent in the trash.

If It’s Empty

• Squeeze the lever above the handle to ensure all contents are discharged.
• Remove the head so that the recycler knows the container is empty.
• Recycle the steel body. Once the head is removed, the container can be taken to a scrap metal yard.
• Plastic extinguishers are not recyclable and should be placed in the trash when empty.

See wikiHow for more tips on emptying your fire extinguisher.

For a list of companies in Cuyahoga County that properly dispose of fire extinguishers, including commercial products, see the Business Locations list below.

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Looking to recycle, donate, or dispose of other items? Use the dark blue 'What Do I Do With?' search bar at the top of every page of this website. Allow location services or use the city drop-down to find opportunities in your local area.