Summary of Fire Extinguisher Recycling and Disposal:                   

• Fire extinguishers should never be placed in the garbage.      
• Many extinguishers are refillable or may be recharged through various services.
• Unwanted expired, damaged or outdated fire extinguishers should be recycled properly. 
• Fire Extinguishers are NOT accepted through Household Hazardous Waste programs.
• Please bring fire extinguishers to licensed servcie provider or one of our collection sites.

Will County Partners for Fire Extinguisher Recycling:

• Crete Township Fire Protection District
• New Lenox Township
• Village of Peotone
• Wheatland Township (in Naperville)

Will County Service Partner:

• Integrity Fire Equipment

Tips for Fire Extinguisher Use

Be sure to remain calm, determine the type of fire you are about to extinguish. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher that can be effective addressing a varity of fires.

• Remember P-A-S-S.
• Pull the pin.
• Aim at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle.
• Sweep Side-to-Side
     

Most fire extinguishers last 10 to 12 years. Disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguishers should be replaced every 10 years.

It is recommended by many manufacturers of refillable foam, water and powder extinguishers to have them serviced every 5 to 6 years.

The refurbishment of CO2 extinguishers is due after 10 years from the cylinder manufacture. This is because of the high pressure in CO2 extinguishers, which makes the cylinders fall into regulation for high pressure cylinders.

Check the maintenance label of the extinguisher to find the Commission Date.

Replace or service an extinguisher right away if it's been used or if you notice any of the following: 

The hose or nozzle is cracked, ripped, or blocked with debris. 

The metal locking pin on the handle is missing or if the safety seal is missing/not intact/

The handle is wobbly or broken. 

In the Case of Commercial Use: If the inspection sticker or hang tag, with a record of checkups and maintenance, is missing.

Recycling Information:

The water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen will be removed for reuse, or recovery.

The contractor may use some extinguishers in training programs. Any fluorocarbon based agents shall be recovered in a system able to reuse and recycle them. Such downstreams shall be ISO certified. Finally, all metal will be recycled.

Drop-Off Instructions:

Bring expired or unwanted fire extinguishers to a participating local government office. Instructions vary by location:

Please bring your extinguisher(s) into the office.

Allow the staff to take your extinguishers.

Record your zip code, the date, and the number of extinguishers you turned in for recovery and recycling to the staff person.

Hours and Sites for Dropping Off Fire Extinguishers

This page last updated 9/20/24