How to dispose of Smoke Detectors in California

California rules

Contact manufacturer for return and recycling program.

General 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.