Why older foam extinguishers need proper handling
Older AFFF foam extinguishers should not be treated like ordinary redundant equipment. Disposal needs to reflect the fact that the contents and the container both need to be handled through an appropriate route rather than improvised removal.
What not to do
- Do not empty them casually
- Do not send them away as ordinary mixed waste
- Do not keep damaged or suspect units sitting indefinitely on site
Take the practical route
The sensible approach is to have unwanted extinguishers assessed and removed through a route that is intended for extinguishing equipment and its contents. That keeps the process safer, cleaner, and easier to account for properly.