Fire Safety

Recycling Fire Extinguishers

[st_box title=”FACT” type=”info”]Steel is one of the world’s most recycled products and is 100% recyclable. A 9 kg extinguisher contains approximately 3 kg of steel when empty. Making steel from recycled materials uses 75% less energy than when producing steel from raw materials. Yearly each Australian sends over 3.5 kgs of steel to landfill – that’s enough steel to make 40,000 fridges![/st_box]

Recycling old or discarded portable fire extinguishers

• Yellow extinguishers are illegal to possess or use on a fire as they contain emissions that affect the ozone layer.
• Return to local fire stations for accredited disposal.

Halon Extinguisher Recycling

• For all yellow BCF/halon extinguishers, please return to your local fire station.
• These will be sent to the National Halon Bank for appropriate recycling and disposal.
• Do not use these extinguishers or release their contents into the atmosphere.

Non-Halon Extinguisher Recycling

• The Department of Environment and Conservation NSW works with local council to provide drop off centres for fire extinguishers. Weekend drop off centres have been organised throughout the Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra regions. See DEC website: www.cleanout.com.au or contact the Environment Line Ph: 131 555.
• Outside of NSW, contact Planet Ark to recycle these (1300 733 712) www.recyclingnearyou.com.au

[st_box title=”Fire Extinguisher Tips” type=”info”]- Ensure everyone in the home/office knows the location of all extinguishers and how to use them. – Extinguishers need to be pressure tested every six years by a registered fire extinguisher service organisation. – Check that there are no blockages to the nozzle or outlet. – If you have a Dry Chemical Powder fire extinguisher (red with a white band or label). Turn the extinguisher upside down for 10 minutes every six months to ensure that the powder is free flowing. – Replace the extinguisher in case of rust. – If an extinguisher is discharged, even partially, it needs to be refilled by a registered fire extinguisher service organisation. [/st_box]

Fire & Rescue NSW Community Risk Management. Revised 3 November 2009.

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