DO NOT THROW AWAY IN THE TRASH--even if empty, fire extinguishers are considered hazardous Waste.
Fire extinguishers should not be thrown in the trash. The contents of todayâ€s common fire extinguishers are not hazardous. However, they are still a cylinder under pressure, which is a disposal hazard because they have the potential to explode and cause serious injuries to sanitation workers, damage waste hauling vehicles, or waste processing facilities. Even if they are empty, fire extinguishers can still be considered hazardous waste.
Older fire extinguishers containing carbon tetrachloride are hazardous to human health and the environment. Carbon tetrachloride is very toxic, and when used on a fire also results in a toxic gas.
You can either have your fire extinguishers refilled, or you can bring them to a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Eventat the Yolo County Central Landfill every Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for free and safe disposal.