Ask the Mayor: Can Fire Extinguishers Be Recycled?

Home fire extinguisher. Photo: Debra Lordan.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Aloha Mayor,

Q: How can I dispose of or recycle fire extinguishers sold for home use here on Maui? If it’s been used and the gauge shows empty. I was told to throw it in the trash. Isn’t there a better answer than that? What if it’s expired but not used? Isn’t it dangerous to throw it in the trash?

Thanks for any advice you can offer, as the metals recycler won’t accept it and the hardware stores that sell the fire extinguishers won’t accept them either.

A: Great timing on your question, as we are currently taking appointments for a household hazardous waste collection event on Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22.

Used or expired fire extinguishers can be brought to the collection along with other household materials, such as oil-based paints, solvents, antifreeze, pesticides, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, thermometers, old medication, aerosols and propane tanks.

There is no fee for household hazardous waste collected at the event; however, an appointment is required for participation and the estimated types and quantities of waste must be stated. Additional waste brought to the collection event but not disclosed at the time the appointment was made may be rejected.

To make an appointment or ask about other types of materials, call the contractor, EnviroServices, toll-free at (855) 325-3222. The deadline to schedule an appointment is Saturday, Nov. 7.

Commercial hazardous waste will not be accepted at this household collection event; businesses may call EnviroServices at (808) 839-7222 to schedule commercial waste pickup at their place of business.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.