Euralarm Issued New Disposal Rules for Firefighting Foam
New guidance helps households and professionals manage firefighting foam safely to meet environmental standards.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Home Cleaning
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Euralarm has published a new guidance document for the disposal of all fire-fighting foam media. The guidelines apply to end users and service providers, emphasizing the need for authorized hazardous waste disposal routes.
Why it matters
The guidance responds to the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS-containing firefighting foams and the necessity of preventing environmental contamination. Proper disposal protects local watercourses and soil from hazardous chemical runoff.
All firefighting foam is now classified as potentially hazardous, with high-temperature incineration designated as the preferred disposal method for foams containing PFAS. This guidance is intended for end users, installers, and maintenance providers across Europe.
The players
Euralarm
Based in Switzerland, this industry association represents the European fire and security sector and develops safety standards and guidance for manufacturers, installers, and maintenance providers.
The details
Under the new guidelines, foam must never be discharged into drains, onto land, or into watercourses to prevent uncontrolled environmental release. Organizations and users are instructed to utilize closed-loop recovery systems during maintenance or replacement cycles to contain the materials. All disposal must be routed through authorized hazardous waste channels in compliance with established European fire protection and waste legislation.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: Euralarm published the official guidance document.
The Home Front
This guidance marks a tightening of safety protocols for common household and commercial fire suppression chemicals. It aligns industry waste management practices with broader European fire protection and waste legislation.
If you maintain fire suppression systems at your property, check that your service provider is compliant with current hazardous waste disposal requirements. Never attempt to drain or discard old fire-fighting foam into residential plumbing or outdoor areas, as it is officially classified as potentially hazardous.
The takeaway
The primary insight is that all firefighting foam must be treated as hazardous waste to protect the environment. Contact your licensed fire protection service provider to ensure that any foam-based suppression equipment at your home is serviced and disposed of through authorized channels.
Further reading
For more information on household safety standards, explore our Home Cleaning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Professional Security.
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