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How to dispose of Smoke Detectors

Steps

  1. Check if it's ionization or photoelectric type (label on back).
  2. Ionization detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material (Americium-241).
  3. Check optional manufacturer take-back or community recycling. EPA also permits intact ionization alarms in household trash; local battery rules apply.
  4. Some fire departments accept old smoke detectors.
  5. Photoelectric detectors can generally go in regular trash, but recycling is preferred.

EPA permits intact ionization alarms in household trash without special disposal instructions. Never tamper with the sealed source. Follow local collection and battery rules; take-back is optional where offered.