I cleaned out the garage and found several fire extinguishers that need to be recharged. The exteriors look fine. They all have gauges that show they are in the 'recharge' range.

Is this a something that is normally done or do people normally get new extinguishers instead.

Also, where would you dispose of them?

Yes, for the larger ones, easily get them recharged at a place like this:

https://web.nafed.org/Portable-Fire-Extinguishers/M-Jacks-Fire-Safety-946

We do that for the ones we take in the field. For personal use around the house or smaller extinguishers, I'm betting replacement is better. For disposal, check with local fire dept or city haz waste collection events.

Link to my wordy post about fire extinguishers from a while back.

https://texags.com/forums/61/topics/3162262/replies/58090558

Thanks All!

The simple answer is Yes the can be recharged...

1) Do they have a plastic handle? If yes the NO, they were not meant to be recharged and no reputable company will do that.
2) Look for a date either on the label or stamped into the metal. If they're older than 20 years they are supposed to be hydro tested. At that point it's just not really worth it and most re-charge outfits will not do it.

Moreso... larger outfits like Cintas that provide fire extinguisher servicing won't even do the every 6 year discharge and refill. They simply replace them.

I used to know a man that had a small fire extinguisher inspection and refill operation. In hind sight I really should have bought it from him.