Fire Extinguishers Hazardous Waste Hazardous Waste Collection Fire extinguishers are hazardous because they are pressurized and they need special handling to avoid toxic exposure for waste workers, the community, and the environment. City Specific Disposal OptionsPlease check with your city page (residential or commercial) to confirm if additional options are available, such as home collection, drop-off locations, and/or events. (These options vary per city.) Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-OffYour city or county may offer HHW drop-off sites and collection events.– Los Angeles County: S.A.F.E. Collection Centers and events– Riverside County– San Bernardino County– Ventura County Disposal Options For BusinessesHazardous waste cannot be placed in your containers. Schedule a Special Waste Collection by emailing [email protected] or calling Athens’ Customer Service Department at 888-336-6100. Fees may apply. Some HHW drop-off centers may allow drop off by small business generators (check links above). Never Throw in the Garbage Even if you are certain there is no remaining pressure, never throw a fire extinguisher in the garbage. It could explode in a garbage truck. Check Regularly Check your fire extinguisher every month to make sure that it is safe to use. The needle should point to the green area of the pressure gauge. If the needle points to the red area, you must replace your extinguisher or have it refilled. Most fire extinguishers only last 5 to 10 years, even if they have never been used. Release Pressure for Proper Disposal First, check your fire extinguisher’s pressure gauge. If there is still pressure, shoot a small amount of the contents into an open area. Let the canister sit for a few days to release the excess pressure before disposing as hazardous waste. Ways to Reduce Never Test If you spray your fire extinguisher even once, you must replace it or have it refilled.