SHELF LIFE EXPIRED RESPIRATOR FILTERS

Q  WE CURRENTLY HAVE A STOCK OF AVON GAS MASK CANISTERS, (UNUSED AND SEALED) THAT HAVE RECENTLY EXPIRED (FEBRUARY-APRIL 2026) WE WOULD APPRECIATE GUIDANCE ON THE FOLLOWING: 

1. WHETHER THESE CANISTERS ARE STILL SAFE FOR USE AFTER THE EXPIRY DATE 

2. IF NOT, WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSAL PROCEDURE. 

3. WHETHER THEY CAN BE DISPOSED OF AS REGULAR WASTE OR REQUIRE SPECIAL HANDLING? 

A:  Avon Protection does NOT recommend any canister's use after it's expiry date.

Avon’s disposal recommendations within this document comply with UK legislation only; other countries using this product shall adopt their countries or localised legislative procedures regarding the safe environmental disposal of this product. Avon take no responsibility how the customer disposes of this product but expects disposal to be conducted in the most environmentally sensitive manner.
Unused or intact filter disposal:
The filter as a whole contains four main elements: activated carbon, filter body, Carbon retainer Mesh and HESPA (High Efficiency Silicone Particulate Air) Filter. These are described in detail below. These filters will be classed as hazardous or contaminated waste and should be disposed of as a whole unit in accordance with local regulations using a recognized hazardous waste disposal company. Localised regulations may be more stringent than those of  state, federal or specific countries legislation. These elements maybe separated and recycled or disposed of, as per local authority regulations using a recognized hazardous waste disposal company.
Activated Carbon disposal:
Should segregation of the elements be required by the end user then once filter bodies have been punctured the carbon inside the filter should be disposed of as ‘hazardous waste’ using a recognized hazardous waste contractor. The main component of the GSR Filter consists of a ‘coal based activated carbon’ and does not contain any chromium material however it may contain respirable dust particles derived from the materials listed above. When recycling this material all efforts should be made to reduce any prolonged exposure to the user from these dusts. Inhalation must be kept to a minimum and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn.
Any spent or virgin carbon must not be released into ‘controlled waters’ or buried, this action may have a detrimental effect on aquatic and soil organisms.  For disposal purposes this carbon must also not be ignited as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and toxic metallic oxide gases may be released into the atmosphere as a result of the carbon reaching high temperature.
Filter body:
The Filter material is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer containing, polyphenylene ether and high impact polystyrene, recycling using a shredding method is recommended especially if  the product has been used for military purposes, however landfill and incineration are other alternatives providing it has been conducted in accordance with local authority regulations using a licensed waste disposal contractor.
Carbon Retainer Mesh and HESPA Filter:
Recycling using a shredding method is recommended especially if  the product has been used for military purposes. However landfill and incineration are other alternatives providing it has been conducted in accordance with local authority regulations using a licensed waste disposal contractor.
Legal Disclaimer:
The above information is believed to be correct at time of writing but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall only be used as a guide; Avon takes no responsibility over the customer’s final method of disposal. Local and Federal legislation shall apply regarding disposal methods of this product, this legislation aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of disposal.