Can you recycle smoke detectors

You can also submit a service request through Denver Utilities Online. Download the Trash and Recycling App:. Was this page helpful? Yes Maybe No. How can we improve this page?

Email address. Both Midwest Recycling Center drop off, fees apply and Curie Environmental Services mail back accept all brands of smoke detectors for recycling. Some brands offer mail-back recycling services for their brands only.

Fees are usually charged for shipping and handling. You can find manufacturer contact information on the back of the detector. Plastic and metal components are separated and recycled.

The radioactive component is shipped for final disposal at a licensed radioactive waste facility. You are commenting using your WordPress. You are commenting using your Google account. You are commenting using your Twitter account.

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Notify me of new comments via email. Notify me of new posts via email. Read about the regulation. Smoke detectors typically fall within two categories: photoelectric and ionization.

When it comes to disposal, old photoelectric detectors can be safely put in the trash, so long as you remove the battery first. Read on for information about ionization detectors. Ionization detectors contain a small amount of Americium , a radioactive isotope. When in use, these detectors are perfectly safe, as the radioactive material is shielded by a metal chamber inside the device.

If dismantled, however, the radioactive material can become exposed. When smoke enters the detector, it disrupts the electrical circuit and the alarm sounds. It only poses a risk if consumers attempt to disassemble the unit and break the protective casing. Photoelectric models have an LED light that sends a steady ray of light across an inner chamber. When smoke enters the device, it scatters the light toward a sensor in the unit. The sensor detects the light and triggers the alarm.

Carbon monoxide detectors do not have any radioactive materials. Most programs will advise you to dispose of carbon monoxide detectors as you would photoelectric detectors. We can do better. Options for Disposing of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Fortunately, with a little effort, we can find avenues that keep some of this electronic waste out of our landfills.

You can also place a call to any of these local entities: Your local recycling service Your local Board of Health Your local Department of Public Works They may be able to tell you about upcoming household hazardous waste collection days for ionization detectors.

Maven Moment: Washing the Dishes. Related Post. Nov 12, Earth Nov 12, Sarah Lozanova. Nov 10, Brian Brassaw.