Batteries Are Hazardous Waste
Remove batteries from the smoke detector because they are hazardous waste. Then dispose of the smoke detector separately. Find out how to dispose of batteries.
Return Radioactive Detectors to Manufacturer
Ionization smoke detectors emit small amounts of radioactive material, and can be identified by their warning labels. Return these to the manufacturer by mail. Find out from the U.S. Postal Service how to return these detectors.
Photoelectric Detectors Are E-Waste
Photoelectric detectors will not have a warning label, so dispose of these detectors as e-waste.
Alternative Ways to Recycle
First Alert Disposal Program
First Alert will dispose of up to four ionization smoke detectors. These must be First Alert, BRK, Family Gard or Onelink brand. If you have more than four detectors, they will charge a small fee. Detectors are disposed of legally, and components are recycled when they are able to. Learn more about First Alert’s Disposal Program.
Recycle Your Smoke Detector
If you wish to recycle your old smoke detectors, there is one program that will do so, run by Curie Environmental Services. It costs as little as $8 plus shipping to recycle one old smoke detector.
