Smoke Detector

Most smoke detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material.  On the wall, a smoke detector is safe but if broken open in a landfill, it can pose a health threat.  All detectors that have radioactive component must be labeled as such.  The companies that manufacture detectors accept returned units for disposal as hazardous waste.  First Choice Computer Recycling (1125 Starr Avenue, Eau Claire, 715-833-2005) will accept both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for a nominal fee.

The majority of smoke detectors sold in the United States sold in the United States are made by First Alert.  They will recycle them if you return them at your expense and pay $1.00 for a disposal fee.  In order to use their system, you must call them at 1-800-323-9005 and set up an account to pay either by credit card or check.

Most other smoke detectors are made by a Canadian company called American Sensors.  Call them at 1-800-387-4219. Below is a list of other company take back programs. 

Carbon monoxide detectors do not contain any hazardous materials so they can be safely thrown away.  However, they do contain circuit boards and platinum, both of which are worth recycling.