Fire extinguishers may contain extinguishing agents and must never be thrown in the trash. Instead, USPS® sites must take steps to reuse or, depending on their age and condition, recycle them.
For sites under a servicing contract established by the Facility Services Category Management Center (CMC), the supplier manages fire extinguisher preventive maintenance and inspections without site involvement.
Sites without a contract must contact the local fire department for recommended local distributors that can offer servicing options. Once identified, contact the fire extinguisher distributor directly to coordinate refill or recharge, recycling, or exchange.
Always return fire extinguishers to their designated locations for use in the event of a fire emergency, along with proper markings or signage. Never block access to fire extinguishers.
If no servicing or recycling options are available, dispose of used, expired, or damaged fire extinguishers as regulated waste. Disposal services are available in eBuy+ from Safety Kleen. Always keep records of fire extinguisher pickup and disposal to document proper management.
For more information on regulatory requirements for waste fire extinguishers, go to the Hazardous Waste Management page at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/waste-mgmt.htm or contact your USPS Environmental Specialist at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/regional-environmental-compliance-all.htm.
— Environmental Affairs and Corporate
Sustainability, 7-23-26
