When it comes to fire protection, fire extinguishers are usually one of the first things businesses buy. Although you may not realise it, fire extinguishers actually contain an array of harmful substances that can cause significant environmental damage if not treated properly. They are also under pressure, and have the potential to cause severe injury. This means that it’s extremely important to dispose of used or unwanted fire extinguishers properly. Failing to do so can have significant environmental and legal consequences.

You Can’t Simply Throw Your Fire Extinguishers In The General Waste

Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t realise that fire extinguishers are classified as dangerous goods. They attempt to dispose of them in general waste or curbside collection. This simply isn’t possible, and you could find yourself in trouble if you try and do this.

Instead, you need to get in touch with a qualified, experienced fire extinguisher disposal service. Most fire safety companies will offer some sort of extinguisher disposal service, but you should be careful which ones you choose. Try and find a company who:

  • Is committed to the environment. This means that they will make sure that your unwanted fire extinguishers are treated properly.
  • Will recycle and reuse as many materials as possible. In many cases, unwanted fire extinguishers can simply be serviced or refurbished before being used by someone else.
  • Has a reputation for friendly and professional service.

The key to sustainable fire extinguisher disposal is finding a company who values environmental protection and who will treat extinguisher waste properly.

What Sort Of Problems Are Caused By Incorrectly Disposed Of Fire Extinguishers?

Unfortunately, a lot of people continue to dispose of old or unwanted fire extinguishers incorrectly. Aside from the obvious problems of pollution and resource waste, this can lead to all sorts of issues. Some of the most common problems caused by incorrect fire extinguisher disposal (along with the incorrect disposal of pretty much any chemical) include:

  • The potential build up of dangerous chemicals in plants and animals who come into contact with them.
  • Significant waterway pollution, which can lead to things like nutrient imbalances and fish kills.
  • Injury to humans who come into contact with old or damaged fire extinguishers which are still pressurised.

Any of these could lead to severe legal consequences for you or your business – especially if someone is injured by a fire extinguisher that you disposed of incorrectly.

Final Word

When it comes to things like fire extinguishers, it’s extremely important to make sure that you dispose of them correctly. If you don’t, you might find that you’re faced with legal consequences down the track.

To sum up, whenever you want to get rid of an old or unwanted fire extinguisher you need to contact an extinguisher disposal professional. They will take your old fire extinguishers and dispose of them in a safe and legal manner. Anything that can be recycled will be, and any dangerous materials will be treated properly.