SAFE DISPOSAL: Know Where to Take It
We often get asked what to do with old fire extinguishers, medications, fireworks, or sharps. While East Pierce Fire & Rescue can’t accept these items at our stations, there are safe, local options nearby.
Here’s where to go — and what to know.
What We Can’t Accept at Headquarters or any EPFR Stations
- Fire extinguishers
- Fireworks
- Medications & sharps
- Coolants or hazardous liquids
- Worn or damaged American flags
- Paint
Where to Take Them
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers
Free drop-off available Tuesdays and Thursdays at:
- Hidden Valley Transfer Station (17925 Meridian St E, Puyallup)
Want to recharge instead? Local businesses offer this service for around $25+.
Search: “Recharge fire extinguishers near me”
Hazardous Waste & Sharps
Hazardous Waste & Sharps
Includes used fireworks, sharps, coolants, and household chemicals.
Take these to:
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- Hidden Valley Transfer Station
- Prairie Ridge Transfer Station (Bonney Lake)
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Before You Go:
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- Soak fireworks in water overnight before disposal
- Bring liquids in labeled containers
- Ask for the hazardous waste area when dropping off sharps
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Medications
Medications
Medicines play an important role in treating many conditions and diseases, but when they are no longer needed it’s important to dispose of them properly to avoid harm to others.
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- Medicine take-back programs for disposal are a good way to remove expired, unwanted, or unused medicines from the home and reduce the chance that others may accidentally take the medicine. The local agencies below are equipped to accept expired and unwanted medicines. Check them out!
- Bonney Lake Police Department
- Edgewood City Hall
- Sumner Police Department
- Or use the Med-Project website to find other locations.
- Medicine take-back programs for disposal are a good way to remove expired, unwanted, or unused medicines from the home and reduce the chance that others may accidentally take the medicine. The local agencies below are equipped to accept expired and unwanted medicines. Check them out!
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American Flags
American Flags
Flags too worn to fly can be respectfully retired.
Drop off at:
- Buckley Eagles Lodge: 29021 SR 410 E (flag bin at entrance)
You can also contact local American Legion, AmVets, or Eagles Lodges for proper flag retirement services.
Paint
Paint
Leftover paint should be disposed of properly and should not be poured down drains, onto the ground, or placed in the trash while still liquid.
- Paint recycling programs provide convenient locations to drop off unwanted or leftover paint.
- PaintCare operates drop-off sites throughout Washington where residents can recycle many types of architectural paint.
- Use the PaintCare website to learn what products are accepted and find a drop-off location near you.