Georgia Fiero Club Forum

All Things Fiero => Expert Tech Advice => Topic started by: GTRS Fiero on August 01, 2020, 04:53:09 pm

Title: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: GTRS Fiero on August 01, 2020, 04:53:09 pm
I had looked up how to dispose of a fire extinguisher.  Online, it showed to take it to the local fire department.  So, I called the local fire department.  It was determined that I have two heads, so I must be much smarter, now.

Apparently, fire extinguishers must be taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility.

Anyway, it's probably time to check the levels on your fire extinguisher.  If your gauge isn't in the green, it's time for recharge or disposal.  You want the automotive ABC fire extinguisher.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: Fierofool on August 01, 2020, 06:15:32 pm
If you can still find one, a Halon extinguisher is ideal for putting out fires in the HVAC ductwork.  It will flow through, being gaseous.  Keeping an extinguisher in the front compartment isn't such a bad idea.  Fires in that area usually start small, as opposed to the rear of the car where you have to go into the trunk. 
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: GTRS Fiero on August 01, 2020, 06:32:13 pm
I keep my fire extinguisher in the cab, with me.  The first commercial vehicle I drove, the fire extinguisher was mounted on the side of the B-pillar.  Later, due to complaints about height, it was mounted low in the middle, between the front seats.  Still later, in front of the base of the driver seat.  After I changed jobs, I was told to equip my vehicle.  A fire extinguisher was required, but not supplied.  I mounted it on the B-pillar behind my left arm, as seated.

In the Fiero, the fire extinguisher sits on the passenger side, between the seat and the door sill.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: Fierofool on August 01, 2020, 07:14:54 pm
That's where I have the one in my 87.  Passengers getting in and out have put pressure on it and it's broken the plastic safety pin and my lower trim piece.  The 86 had one mounted in the front compartment on the driver's fender wall.  It was really easy to get to when I had the caliper fire. 
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: GTRS Fiero on August 01, 2020, 07:17:47 pm
I certainly have that worry, but mine sits very low, and does not seem to interfere with the passengers I have had.  There's always the first one, though.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: Fierofool on August 01, 2020, 07:24:55 pm
When they sit on the bolster to get in and out, it presses against the extinguisher.  My extinguisher might be a little larger than the one you have.  It protrudes a bit in front of the seat when it's midway back. 

I saw a universal mounting rack on PFF that attaches to the seat rail mounting bolts, and lays transversely in front of the seat.  Suitable for either side or both.  The Bracketeer.   

http://www.thebracketeer.com/
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: scottb on August 01, 2020, 07:50:12 pm
Mine is a one time use aerosol can, sits between the seat and door on the passenger side
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: GTRS Fiero on August 07, 2020, 05:14:09 pm
If your local fire department won't take your old fire extinguisher, try a fire department in another locality.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: GTRS Fiero on August 07, 2020, 05:15:33 pm
Mine is a one time use aerosol can, sits between the seat and door on the passenger side

The car fire extinguishers are 1-time use, also.  There may be more left, but it just isn't worth it, keepig a fire extinguisher that isn't full.  They don't have much in them.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: scottb on August 07, 2020, 07:18:56 pm
Just drive around and throw it in a dumpster
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: GTRS Fiero on August 07, 2020, 07:25:10 pm
That is illegal!  Also, it's dangerous.  Aerosol cans are also not supposed to be thrown in the trash.  For some reason, even paint buckets are supposed to be washed out and left open when thrown out.  Batteries are not supposed to be thrown in the dumpster, nor fluorescent bulbs, nor anything with lead or mercury.  So, no CRT monitors.  Certain LCD panels also had hazardous materials.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: Fierofool on August 07, 2020, 07:45:19 pm
Republic Sanitation accepts aerosol cans in recycle.  Paint can be filled with sand or kitty litter and left to dry before disposal.  One reason for this is to prevent spills on the roads and it renders the paint inert.  I ran through a spill with my new Dodge truck and the white paint never came out of the fender well liner in more than 15 years.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: Roger on August 08, 2020, 11:59:38 am
Forget the old style extinguishers.

https://elementfire.com/products/element-e50

$80
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: scottb on August 08, 2020, 04:37:29 pm
That is illegal! 

Don't get caught
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: GTRS Fiero on August 08, 2020, 06:27:51 pm
It's called ethics.  Just because you can get away with something, doesn't mean it's OK to do it.  If just one time you do such a thing, you can never state that you don't do that.  All credibility is lost.  My word has value.  My clients must trust me implicitly.  If anything ever happens, they know it wasn't me.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: scottb on August 08, 2020, 07:17:23 pm
I might be misinterpreting this but I think you taking my smart alec comments way too seriously
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: GTRS Fiero on August 08, 2020, 07:21:12 pm
I took them at face value.  Nothing to indicate otherwise.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: scottb on August 08, 2020, 07:24:20 pm
My fault, oops
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: GTRS Fiero on August 08, 2020, 07:25:22 pm
Republic Sanitation accepts aerosol cans in recycle.

The Department of Public Works released something stating that that is illegal.  There is further a sticker on the side of the recycle bin specifically prohibiting numerous items, including aerosol cans.

Possibly, they may accept for drop-off, but they are near the Westlake landfill.  You know, Manhattan Project nuclear waste.  I try not to go there.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher disposal
Post by: The Art Doctor on August 08, 2020, 09:47:32 pm
I would think once discharged the metal tank could be recycled as I know they cost more to refill than buy new.