Fire extinguishers: recharge or scrap?

[Firequest]

How common is it now for refillable powder and foam extinguishers to actually be recharged after use (either on a fire or discharge tested)? 
 
I get the impression that, increasingly, powder extinguishers are simply replaced and scrapped after five years, rather than refurbishing and refilling, because there is now little difference in cost.  New environmental legislation on foam extinguishers means that test discharging on site is difficult, so are these now simply being scrapped after five years as well? 
 
Of course, having a new extinguisher might be the best way to ensure that it will work properly, but it does seem a waste to simply replace perfectly serviceable extinguishers after just five years.
 
I wonder if there is a similar issue on mainland Europe.  Does the greater popularity of cartridge operated extinguishers in countries like France and Germany make it easier to refill on site?   

[AnthonyB]

You are quite right in that very little filling gets done on site (or at all!) these days.

Powder extinguishers are often classed as disposable these days and binned. My trade supplier bins several hundred a week from it's customers, many of which are in amazingly good condition, only requiring an extended service.

CO2 are also treated the same by many service companies.

A small band of companies still follow the BS literally and will service exchange, overhaul, extended service & refill Powder and CO2 extinguishers, but this is fast becoming a minority.

In the long run more damage is being caused to the environment by the numbers of serviceable extinguishers being scrapped (mainly for convenience & profitability).

We used to refurbish & reuse extinguishers safely on a large scale in years gone by, but equipment is now increasingly disposable - an appliance that at one time would easily last 15-30+ years (based on type) is now being treated as a throwaway resource.

[John Webb]

It's an interesting thought that in trying to protect the environment by controlling the discharge of substances, we may end up causing more pollution by failing to reuse useable equipment and going for completely new-build .....

[Psuedonym]

As I have said in a previous post today, just another case of hypocrisy.   To manufacture all the elements involved store, distribute from country to country etc etc is better to the environment than refilling??? Of course not, but it IS better for the manufacturer as he sells more and more units for his beloved shareholders - who apparently DEMAND an inreased profit percentage year on year, well thats the excuse anyway........

The "Green" ticket is just another money spinner for the big boys.