How to dispose of fire extinguishers safely
Used, expired or unwanted household fire extinguishers and small fire suppression cylinders.
Other names include expired extinguisher, fire extinguisher cylinders, fire suppression bottle.
Find a nearby place for fire extinguishers
Set your location to search close to home. The finder only shows places linked to this item.
Loading map...
Move or zoom the map to load more nearby points. Map data includes OpenStreetMap contributors.
No matching places found
Try a nearby town, the first part of a postcode or a different item.
Public bins are shown on the map
Zoom in to load public bins in the area you want to check.
Set your location
Enter a postcode or town, or use your browser location, to see nearby places.
How to dispose of fire extinguishers safely
Treat the cylinder as pressurised even when the gauge looks empty. Ask the council, supplier or service company for an approved route.
- Possible recycling routes
- Specialist recycling schemesHousehold hazardous waste servicesHousehold waste recycling centres
Handle fire extinguishers safely before disposal
- Keep safety pins and valves in place
- Transport the cylinder upright and secure
- Tell staff if it is damaged or leaking
What must stay out
Keep these items separate and check the site rules before you travel.
- Do not puncture, dismantle or put the cylinder in scrap metal
- Many recycling centres refuse extinguishers
- Commercial units need a business waste route
Types of site to check
These site types can list fire extinguishers. Each provider sets its own limits and access rules.
- Specialist recycling schemes
Collection services for items that most household recycling bins cannot accept. Schemes can use shops, postal returns or limited public drop-off points.
- Household hazardous waste services
Council sites and collection services for household materials that can harm people or the environment. You must check the local service before travel.
- Household waste recycling centres
Council-run sites that accept many types of household recycling and waste. Local rules can cover booking, proof of address, vehicle permits and charges for some DIY waste.
Collection and take-back services
These services may offer another route when a local site does not list the item.
- Local hazardous waste disposal service
A GOV.UK postcode service for council help with household chemicals, batteries and other hazardous materials.
Related item guides
- Household chemicals
Unwanted household cleaners, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals and similar products.
- Gas bottles and cylinders
Refillable or disposable household gas cylinders for barbecues, camping, heating and carbonated drinks.
- Scrap metal
Household metal items such as pots, pans, tools, pipes, shelving and metal furniture parts.
Questions about safe fire extinguishers disposal
- Where can I dispose of fire extinguishers safely?
- Enter your postcode in the local finder to search specialist recycling schemes and household hazardous waste services and household waste recycling centres near you. Check the provider page before you travel because item lists and access rules can change.
- How should I handle fire extinguishers before disposal?
- Treat the cylinder as pressurised even when the gauge looks empty. Ask the council, supplier or service company for an approved route.
Sources for this guide
- Find a local hazardous waste disposal service
GOV.UK · Reviewed 14 August 2026
- Recycle an item
Recycle Now · Reviewed 14 August 2026