posted 02-15-2010 12:56 PM ET (US)        

While organizing things in my basement this weekend, I realized that the older extinguisher is now in the "recharge" zone as indicated by the dial on the nozzle.

The condition of this extinguisher is a little rough. It has some surface rust that has bubbled some of the paint. It is possible that some of this rust around the nozzle fitting has introduced a slow leak.

Honestly, I've never had to recharge a fire extinguisher before. On my vehicles, I've generally sold the extinguisher with the car/truck, and on my boats...well, I've not needed it - they seem to last a long time on a single charge if maintained well.

1). Is it cost effective to recharge a hand-held fire extinguisher?
2). What is the normal/safe route to dispose of/recycle an old fire extinguisher that needs recharging?

posted 02-15-2010 01:06 PM ET (US)            

To dispose of the old fire extinguisher, check with your municipality. It is usually considered Haz-Mat.

I recently got rid of a box full of old fire extinguishers. I dropped them off at one of Seattle's two Household Hazardous Waste sites for free.

posted 02-15-2010 01:22 PM ET (US)            

We have a bi-annual (Spring and Fall) hazardous waste collection program in my county which I will take advantage of. The problem with this system is that you must identify the hazardous material to be disposed (makes sense) - but for folks like me who "inherited" a lot of junk on their property (including unidentifiable chemicals in 5 gallon buckets), it leaves residents with little direction/recourse to dispose of potentially toxic chemicals.

Nonetheless, the fire extinguisher will go along with some of the other items I have hiding in the shed.

Thanks.

posted 02-15-2010 04:37 PM ET (US)            

At Costco, Sam's Club, whatever, you can get replacements cheaply.

As for the old one, if you can, set up a small can with a bit of gas in it and try out the fire extinguisher. Any kids in the neighborhood? Check with their parents and do a demonstration. I did that several years ago when my kids were young, gave them and two neighbor kids (with their dad) a chance to sweep the fire and learn how to use the extinguisher. Empty it. Local Coast Guard Auxiliary? They might like them for demonstrations (any time of the year), flares too.

Once it's empty, it isn't hazmat anymore. Here's something from Tom's neck of the woods:
Dry chemical extinguishers contain sodium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate and potassium bicarbonate. These extinguishers are not recyclable.
* In Seattle and King County, empty fire extinguishers can go in the garbage.
* Bring non-empty fire extinguishers to either the Seattle north or south site, the Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Service or the Wastemobile.

As for flares, the old ones should still work for a long time. In the 80's we (USCG) fired off some old Very pistol flares from 1944 and most of them worked well. There were some "duds" that made it about 6" before falling over the side.

posted 02-16-2010 09:56 AM ET (US)            

EXCELLENT idea. I think I'll go that route. The neighbor across the street is a State Trooper and has young boys. I'll mention it to him once the weather breaks.

posted 02-16-2010 10:20 PM ET (US)            

How to test for packed powder: Put a pencil on a table top,
take the extinguisher out and find lay it on the pencil,
and locate the center of gravity by finding the balance point.
Mark the balance point. Turn it upside down, shake it a bit,
and find the balance point. It should move noticeably. If
it doesn't, see the first paragraph.

Me, I replace mine when they get suspect in the above test.

I've got a half dozen out in the garage in an accessible
place (under the bad boy extinguisher that's never been on
a boat (and passes)). If stuff happens, SOME of the old ones
might work after the bad boy give out.

posted 02-18-2010 12:49 PM ET (US)            

Get rid of it. These can be dangerous, particularly when rusty. Believe it or not there was a death a few years ago from a rusty extinguisher that exploded shrapnel into someone who tried to use it.

posted 02-18-2010 01:01 PM ET (US)            

I guess that rules out the "show the neighborhoods how to use a fire extinguisher" route, although that is a good idea for use of old, non-rusty units.

Back to the haz-mat disposal route then.

Nick, I'm sure my .12 ga will do a number on this, but I prefer shooting at melons, pumpkins, etc on my back 5 acres. It's less impactful on the natural setting theme I have going and am trying to further "develop". Fire extinguisher chemicals don't exactly fit that theme.

Chuck -
I might try that route with a unit that was in better condition, however, as mentioned, this one is definitely rusting/deteriorating. Time for it to go.

Dave