Smoke Detectors
Hazardous materialMost modern smoke detectors are photoelectric and can generally go in household trash once the battery is removed and disposed of separately, check your specific model. Older ionization detectors contain a small amount of radioactive Americium-241 and should not be thrown out or incinerated, some manufacturers offer a mail-back take-back program for intact, battery-free units instead.
Curbside recycling?
No
Smoke detectors are not accepted in curbside recycling. A photoelectric detector with the battery removed can often go in household trash where local rules allow; an ionization detector should not.
Safety note
Ionization smoke detectors rely on a small amount of radioactive Americium-241. It's considered safe during normal use, but breaking or incinerating the detector can release it and may set off radiation detection equipment at a landfill or recycling facility, don't disassemble one yourself.
How to prepare it
- Remove the smoke detector from its mounting and take out any batteries, disposing of batteries separately (see our battery guide)
- Check whether your specific model is ionization or photoelectric, the manufacturer's manual or a label on the unit usually says
- If it's an ionization detector or you're unsure, check the manufacturer's own take-back program rather than throwing it out
Common fees
Manufacturer mail-back programs may be free or low-cost for a small number of units, check the specific program, some charge a fee for larger quantities.
Quantity limits
Not confirmed
Residency restrictions
Not confirmed
Appointment required?
Not confirmed
Recycling locations
Showing locations in our covered metros. Choose a metro to see only the locations there.
0 locations in covered metros
No listed locations for this item yet
Try another covered metro, check the take-back programs above, or use the city’s official recycling program while we expand verified coverage.
Related items
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I recycle smoke detectors?
- Most modern smoke detectors are photoelectric and can generally go in household trash once the battery is removed and disposed of separately, check your specific model. Older ionization detectors contain a small amount of radioactive Americium-241 and should not be thrown out or incinerated, some manufacturers offer a mail-back take-back program for intact, battery-free units instead.
- Can smoke detectors go in curbside recycling?
- Smoke detectors are not accepted in curbside recycling. A photoelectric detector with the battery removed can often go in household trash where local rules allow; an ionization detector should not.
- Is there a safety concern with smoke detectors?
- Ionization smoke detectors rely on a small amount of radioactive Americium-241. It's considered safe during normal use, but breaking or incinerating the detector can release it and may set off radiation detection equipment at a landfill or recycling facility, don't disassemble one yourself.
Programs, hours, fees, eligibility, and accepted materials can change. Confirm details with the facility before traveling.
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