Fire Extinguishers Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Special Instructions Household fire extinguisher are typically filled with dry chemicals or water. They lose their charge over time so check for an expiration date. They need to be replaced every 10 years or the listed manufacturer ‘s recommendations. To learn more about fire extinguishers, Burbank Fire Department has created a helpful guide on proper usage and care. Never throw a fire extinguisher into the trash or recycling bin, because it still is hazardous with pressurized chemicals inside that are pollutants or could even explode. Learn more at Earth 911. Can it be repaired or refilled? Some units are marked “Dispose only” but others are actually refillable. Look for local options to repair and refill. Also, seek fire extinguishers that are refillable rather than disposable. DISPOSAL OPTIONS: If your fire extinguisher is indeed expired, not refillable or damaged beyond repair, dispose of it properly with a few options: 1) Manufacturer Take Back: Check with the manufacturer to see if they have a collection option. 2) Los Angeles S.A.F.E. Collection Centers (1 fire extinguisher per visit) Learn what the S.A.F.E. Collection Center’s take and what is prohibited here. 11025 Randall St, Sun Valley 91352Map & DirectionsSaturday & Sunday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Find more S.A.F.E. locations here. 3) Household Hazardous Waste drop off: Click on the red tab above for local HHW drop off options. Los Angeles County hazardous waste facility or an area HHW collection event. Antelope Valley Environmental Collection Center (AVECC)1200 City Ranch Rd, Palmdale, CA 93551Map & DirectionsOpen 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month, 9 am – 3 pm EDCO Recycling and Transfer Collection Cente2755 California Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755Map & Directions2nd & 4th Saturday of every month, 9am – 2pm 4) Burbank Recycle Center Drop Off (empty canisters; NEVER in curbside carts): Only EMPTY extinguisher tanks can be recycled. The valves should be removed and contents emptied (the pressurized canisters are dangerous for our operations). Never Throw in the Garbage Even if you are certain there is no remaining pressure, never throw a fire extinguisher in the garbage. It could explode in a garbage truck. Check Regularly Check your fire extinguisher every month to make sure that it is safe to use. The needle should point to the green area of the pressure gauge. If the needle points to the red area, you must replace your extinguisher or have it refilled. Most fire extinguishers only last 5 to 10 years, even if they have never been used. Release Pressure for Proper Disposal First, check your fire extinguisher’s pressure gauge. If there is still pressure, shoot a small amount of the contents into an open area. Let the canister sit for a few days to release the excess pressure before disposing as hazardous waste. Ways to Reduce Never Test If you spray your fire extinguisher even once, you must replace it or have it refilled.
