You've equipped your boat with the appropriate fire extinguishers, but at some point – either because you've used them, they've gotten old, or perhaps you've given up boating – you want to dispose of them.

If your first inclination is to toss them in the trash, you're getting way ahead of yourself. Before you do anything, contact your local fire department. The may in turn, send you to your local sanitation department or environmental protection department.

There are different types of fire extinguishers. Yours may be filled with water, gas or chemicals. They may or may not be rechargeable. Older chemical extinguishers are likely to be more toxic than some of the newer models. Disposal regulations for the different types of extinguisher are not identical either. In fact, local laws for disposal of the same type of extinguisher can differ from one locale to another. Some consider all fire extinguishers – regardless of type – hazardous waste. You may be required to turn in the units to the fire department or some other collection point. For others, you may be required only to discharge them before putting them in the trash. Or not. You have to check.

If the units are rechargeable, you may be able to return them to the manufacturer, regardless of whether or not you want them back. For others, even if you get the go-ahead to dispose of them in the trash as is, it's still a good idea to discharge the contents. A unit under pressure can explode – or be found and used by children in an inappropriate manner.

If, and only if, your local laws allow it, discharge your old units by releasing the contents into an open area. Let the extinguishers sit for a few days prior to actual disposal to ensure that the pressure has been fully released before putting them in with your regular garbage.

– Linda Hoff