Fire Extinguisher

There are several types of fire extinguishers and ways to dispose of them. Follow the instructions below or contact the solid waste district at: 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or by email.

Read the label on the fire extinguisher before you continue. If it contains carbon tetrachloride you must save it for our annual household hazardous waste collection. This chemical is a known carcinogen. Do not discharge or dispose of with your trash. If you have a carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher it could be under extreme pressure. You should contact your local fire department or call the solid waste district for assistance.

Many transfer stations accept fire extinguishers; ask attendant. In addition, fire extinguishers are accepted at the District’s “Clean Sweep” Bulky Waste recycling day each May and October. More info and pricing: /p/70/Clean-Sweep-Bulky-Waste-Collection.

Some fire extinguishers are considered hazardous because their contents are under pressure and units manufactured prior to 1984 may contain dangerous chemicals.

If the fire extinguisher has some pressure remaining you can discharge it in an area where an acidic fertilizer would be used, such as around evergreens. Do not use on lawns or when it is windy. When relieving the pressure (emptying) for disposal, review manufacturers' instructions, or, if unavailable, use the PASS technique:

• Pull the pin: this unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other seals or tamper indicators.
• Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the item.
• Squeeze the lever above the handle: this discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever.)
• Sweep from side to side.