Proper disposal of fire extinguishers is important to ensure environmental safety and compliance with local regulations. Maryland residents can use specific services in their county to dispose of fire extinguishers responsibly. This guide provides detailed instructions for Baltimore, Howard, Harford, Anne Arundel, and Carroll counties.
Baltimore County
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
Residents of Baltimore County can dispose of cylinder-type fire extinguishers at the Central Acceptance Facility in Cockeysville. This facility is part of the Household Hazardous Waste program and accepts extinguishers from residential sources only.
Preparation
Ensure the extinguisher is empty or partially charged before disposal. For fully charged extinguishers, contact the fire department or a hazardous waste disposal facility for proper handling.
Howard County
Alpha Ridge Landfill
Howard County residents can recycle fire extinguishers at the Alpha Ridge Landfill’s Residents’ Convenience Center. Fire stations in the county do not accept spent, used, or expired extinguishers.
Preparation
Empty or partially charged extinguishers can be taken to the landfill. If the extinguisher is fully charged, take it to a hazardous waste disposal facility for safe handling.
Harford County
Harford Waste Disposal Center
While specific guidelines for fire extinguishers are not detailed, Harford County generally accepts household hazardous waste, including compressed gas tanks, at the Harford Waste Disposal Center. It is recommended to call ahead and confirm acceptance.
Preparation
Ensure the extinguisher is empty or partially charged. Fully charged extinguishers should be directed to a hazardous waste disposal facility for appropriate disposal.
Anne Arundel County
Millersville Landfill and Resource Recovery Facility
Residents of Anne Arundel County can take fire extinguishers to the Millersville Landfill and Resource Recovery Facility. This facility is part of the county’s Household Hazardous Waste program and is designed to handle these items safely.
Preparation
Make sure the extinguisher is empty or partially charged. For fully charged extinguishers, contact a hazardous waste disposal facility to arrange for proper handling.
Carroll County
Northern Landfill
Carroll County residents can dispose of fire extinguishers at the Northern Landfill. Since specific guidelines are not provided, it is recommended to call ahead and confirm the facility’s acceptance policies.
Preparation
As with other counties, ensure the extinguisher is empty or partially charged. Fully charged extinguishers should be handled by a hazardous waste disposal facility.
General Guidelines
Empty and Partially Charged Extinguishers
For empty or partially charged extinguishers, remove the extinguisher head to make it clear that the unit is no longer functional. Once the head is removed, the steel canister can be recycled at a local recycling facility or designated drop-off center.
Fully Charged Extinguishers
If your fire extinguisher is fully or partially charged, contact your local fire department or a hazardous waste disposal facility. These organizations have the expertise and resources to handle charged extinguishers safely.
Retailer and Commercial Options
Some retailers and commercial services, such as those listed by Clean Safe Technologies, accept fire extinguishers for recycling and disposal. These services may be available for both residential and commercial customers. It’s advisable to call ahead to verify services and fees.
Conclusion
Disposing of fire extinguishers in Maryland requires careful attention to local guidelines and preparation methods. County facilities like the Central Acceptance Facility, Alpha Ridge Landfill, and Millersville Landfill offer free and convenient options for household hazardous waste disposal. For fully charged extinguishers or commercial services, reaching out to specialized facilities or programs ensures proper and safe disposal. By following these guidelines, Maryland residents can handle fire extinguisher disposal responsibly while protecting the environment.