“What Should I Do With My Old Fire Extinguisher?”

Fire Extinguisher Disposal, Recycling, and Safety Tips

Maybe you’ve recently come across an old fire extinguisher while organizing a closet or cleaning out the garage. It hasn’t been used in years, and you’re not quite sure what to do with it. Is it hazardous? Where should I dispose of it?

These are important questions. Whether a fire extinguisher is full, partially charged, or completely empty, it’s classified as hazardous waste under EPA regulations. That means it can’t be thrown in the trash, left out for curbside pickup, or taken to a scrap metal facility.

Here’s what residents in Falls Church City, Fairfax County, and Arlington County should know about properly disposing of fire extinguishers.

Why Can’t I Throw Out My Old Fire Extinguishers?

Fire extinguishers are pressurized containers, and incorrect disposal poses a safety risk. Don’t discharge them at home or puncture the canister. Instead, take them to Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities designed to handle these materials safely.

How to Dispose of a Fire Extinguisher in Falls Church City & Fairfax County

Drop-off Locations:

I-66 Transfer Station – 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
I-95 Landfill Complex – 9850 Furnace Road, Lorton, VA 22079

Guidelines:

Compressed gas containers are not accepted in metal recycling or curbside bins.
Fire extinguishers up to 20 pounds are accepted.
Larger tanks (over 20 pounds) must be returned to the supplier

How to Dispose of a Fire Extinguisher in Arlington County

Drop-off Location:

Household Hazardous Materials Facility at the Earth Products Yard
4300 29th Street S, Arlington, VA 22206

What’s Accepted:

Fire extinguishers
Propane and helium tanks
CO₂ cartridges and whipped cream chargers
Other small gas containers used in households

Fire Extinguisher Safety: A Few Important Reminders

Don’t drop off fire extinguishers at your local fire station. Fire stations are not disposal sites.
Never discharge or tamper with the extinguisher.
If you’re unsure whether your extinguisher is truly empty, assume it is charged, and bring it to an HHW facility.

Helping Falls Church City and Arlington County Residents Stay Safe, In and Out of Emergencies

Disposing of old fire extinguishers properly helps prevent accidents, protects sanitation workers, and keeps hazardous materials out of our environment. Have more questions? We recommend contacting your county’s waste management team directly.

For safety tips and resources from Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department, visit fallschurchfire.org.