How to Dispose of a Fire Extinguisher in Hawaii

While fire extinguishers are an important safety item, the compounds they contain, be it water, carbon dioxide or dry chemicals, can also make them dangerous if disposed of improperly. In Hawaii, where environmental protection has become a major issue, most fire extinguisher disposal is handled by the local fire department (Honolulu, Kauai, Hawaii, etc.) or through the Department of Environmental Services bulky item recycling program. The scheduling and procedure for both of these methods depends on that of the local county.

Instructions

Recycling Empty Extinguishers

• 1

  Check the pressure gauge on the fire extinguisher. If the extinguisher's gauge indicates "empty" then the body can be recycled. If the gauge indicates "recharge" or "replace" it may still have its contents in place.

• 2

  Consult the label on the extinguisher. Water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are safe for recycling while dry chemical extinguishers should be disposed of by other means.

• 3

  Remove the plastic head from the steel body.

• 4

  Check the bulky item recycling for your neighborhood. On Oahu and the neighboring islands, the Department of Environmental Services offers bulk item pick-up once a month. Items must be brought to the curb by 6am the morning of pick-up.

Disposing Filled Extinguishers

• 5

  Check the pressure gauge on the fire extinguisher. If the extinguisher is in the "recharge" range it may be filled again. If it's in the "overcharge" range, the pressure is too great within the extinguisher and it should be handled carefully.

• 6

  Contact your county fire department (Honolulu, Kauai, Maui or Hawaii) and ask about scheduling a fire extinguisher testing or disposal.

• 7

  Take the old fire extinguisher to the local fire station for disposal or recharging.